HOW TO USE DABIGATRAN IN PATIENTS WITH ATRIAL FIBRILLATION
Dabigatran is the new oral anticoagulant that directly inhibits thrombin (factor IIa). In RE-LY clinical trial dabigatran 150 mg b.i.d was more effective than warfarin in prevention of ischemic stroke and systemic embolic events in more than 18000 patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation. At that time dabigatran and warfarin showed similar safety. Practical issues of dabigatran treatment, e.g. therapeutic indications, choice of dosage etc. are discussed.