Comparing Apixaban and Rivaroxaban for Atrial Fibrillation

This study is comparing two common "blood thinners," apixaban (Eliquis) and rivaroxaban (Xarelto), which are used to prevent strokes in people with atrial fibrillation (an irregular heartbeat). Doctors want to see if one drug is better than the other at preventing major bleeding or strokes. You might be eligible if you are a Veteran, aged 22 or older, have atrial fibrillation, and are already taking either apixaban or rivaroxaban. The study aims to enroll about 10,000 participants. Researchers will track how many people experience a major bleeding event or a stroke over three years to see if there's a difference between the two medications.

Study design
This is a randomized study comparing apixaban and rivaroxaban in about 10,000 participants. It is an unblinded trial, meaning both you and your doctor will know which medication you are taking.
What's involved
Not specified in the trial record.
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
Participants will be followed for three years to measure the occurrence of major bleeding events, strokes, and systemic embolism.

AI-generated from the public study record. Only the study team can confirm whether you're eligible — confirm details with them before making decisions.

NCT06953726

Comparing the Safety and Efficacy of Apixaban and Rivaroxaban

Recruiting
PHASE4Ages 65+InterventionalTreatment
VA Office of Research and Development
~10,000 participants
Updated 2026-06-22 on ClinicalTrials.gov
What's tested:ApixabanRivaroxaban

At a glance

Recruiting sites
4 of 5 listed sites are recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
Onset of ISTH Major Bleeding Event
Measured over 3 years
+3 more outcomes measured
Atrial Fibrillation
5 sites across 4 states
Massachusetts2
Florida1
Minnesota1
Oregon1
  • William E. Boden, MD · STUDY_CHAIR · VA Boston Healthcare System Jamaica Plain Campus, Jamaica Plain, MA
  • Cara N Pellegrini · STUDY_CHAIR · San Francisco VA Medical Center, San Francisco, CA

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  • Onset of ISTH Major Bleeding Event3 years

    Hospitalization for first ISTH-defined major bleeding, as determined by ICD-10 codes associated with hospitalization. This is the primary safety outcome.

  • Time to First Stroke3 years

    Hospitalization for first stroke, as determined by ICD-10 codes associated with hospitalization. The primary efficacy outcome is time to first event of stroke or systemic embolism, or death of any cause, in days.

  • Time to First Systemic Embolism3 years

    Hospitalization for first systemic embolism, as determined by ICD-10 codes associated with hospitalization. The primary efficacy outcome is time to first event of stroke or systemic embolism, or death of any cause, in days.

  • Time to All-Cause Mortality3 years

    Time to all-cause mortality, as determined by VA data on vital status. The primary efficacy outcome is time to first event of stroke or systemic embolism, or death of any cause, in days.