Apixaban Use in Patients with Kidney Impairment: A Review of Pharmacokinetic, Interventional, and Observational Study Data

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) remains a significant global health issue and is a leading cause of mortality worldwide. Patients with CKD have an increased risk of developing atrial fibrillation (AF) and venous thromboembolism (VTE). While direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) have become a standard of care for anticoagulation (AC) in patients with AF and VTE, the appropriate use of these agents in comorbid kidney impairment warrants detailed discussion. This scientific narrative review summarizes the effectiveness and safety of apixaban use in patients with renal dysfunction by assessing the current published pharmacokinetic, interventional, observational, and guideline data. Apixaban is a highly selective, orally active, direct inhibitor of factor Xa, with well-established pharmacokinetics and consistent clinical outcomes across a broad range of patient populations, including those with kidney impairment. Overall, the scientific literature has shown that apixaban has a favorable clinical efficacy and safety profile compared with vitamin K antagonists for patients with AF or VTE and comorbid kidney impairment. These data support the approved label dosing strategy of apixaban in reducing the risk of stroke/systemic embolism in patients with nonvalvular AF and in treating VTE across all ranges of kidney function. Both clinician experience and knowledge of patient-specific factors may be required in the management of comorbid patients with advanced CKD or those requiring dialysis, as data on these patients are limited.