Comparing the Safety and Efficacy of Apixaban and Rivaroxaban (NCT06953726) | Clinical Trial Compass
RecruitingPhase 4
Comparing the Safety and Efficacy of Apixaban and Rivaroxaban
United States10,000 participantsStarted 2026-06-01
Plain-language summary
* The trial will compare two anticoagulants ("blood thinners") that are currently used in the VA and are considered standard care to prevent strokes in patients with atrial fibrillation. The two most commonly-used anticoagulants will be compared: apixaban (Eliquis) and rivaroxaban (Xarelto). They are considered by many doctors to have similar benefits and risks, but no one knows for sure.
* The trial only enrolls patients with a diagnosis of atrial fibrillation ("A Fib") or atrial flutter. Most participants will be age 65 or older, and should already be taking apixaban or rivaroxaban.
* The investigators will measure, in about 10,000 VA patients nationally, whether the rates of stroke, major bleeding, or death differ between these two drugs.
* The trial will last about 7 years, but after the first prescription, all information will be collected from electronic medical records.
Who can participate
Age range
65 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion criteria
. Male or female Veteran, aged 22 years or older
. Diagnosis of atrial fibrillation (AF) or atrial flutter (AFL) and currently taking either apixaban or rivaroxaban.
. CHA2DS2-Vasc of 3 or more
. Ability to take oral medication and self-reported willingness to adhere to the prespecified apixaban or rivaroxaban regimen
Exclusion criteria
. Current use of oral or injectable anticoagulation, without ability to switch to the assigned study medication
. Another indication for anticoagulation, such as pulmonary embolism
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
. Documented current pregnancy or lactation in the EHR or self-reported current pregnancy or lactation
. Known allergic reactions or intolerance to apixaban or rivaroxaban
. Most recent estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) is \< 30 mL/minute/1.73m2. An eGFR result must have been obtained within 18 months before randomization.