From 1 December 2012, rivaroxaban (Xarelto) can be prescribed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) to treat acute symptomatic deep vein thrombosis (DVT) without symptomatic pulmonary embolism (PE) and to prevent recurrent venous thromboembolism (VTE).
The Authority required (Streamlined) listing is for:
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15 mg tablets for initial treatment of confirmed acute symptomatic DVT without symptomatic PE
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20 mg tablets for continuing treatment of confirmed acute symptomatic DVT without symptomatic PE, and for the prevention of recurrent VTE.
Authorised nurse practitioners may prescribe this medicine as part of a formal care plan with a medical practitioner (Shared Care Model).1
The Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee recommended the PBS listing for rivaroxaban on a cost minimisation basis compared with enoxaparin and warfarin, with a cost offset for the additional INR tests associated with warfarin treatment.
Rivaroxaban has also been available on the PBS since August 2009 as an Authority required listing for preventing VTE in patients undergoing total hip or knee replacements.
For more information about the use of rivaroxaban for postsurgical VTE prevention see the NPS RADAR review Rivaroxaban (Xarelto) for preventing venous thromboembolism after hip or knee replacement. For more information about rivaroxaban for stroke prevention in non-valvular atrial fibrillation see the NPS RADAR review in this issue: Rivaroxaban (Xarelto) for stroke prevention in non-valvular atrial fibrillation.
