FDA Approves Xarelto (rivaroxaban) for Thromboprophylaxis in Pediatric Patients After Fontan Procedure
The FDA has approved a new indication for the factor Xa inhibitor rivaroxaban (Xarelto) for thromboprophylaxis in pediatric patients aged 2 years and older with congenital heart disease who have undergone the Fontan procedure. This approval, dated December 20, 2021, addresses a specific thromboembolic risk in a vulnerable pediatric cardiac population. The label indicates the drug is also approved for the treatment of venous thromboembolism (VTE) and reduction in the risk of recurrent VTE in pediatric patients from birth to less than 18 years, following initial parenteral anticoagulation. This expands the clinical utility of an established oral anticoagulant into carefully defined pediatric settings.
+ Clinical Details (Mechanism · Dosing · Trial Data · Warnings)
XARELTO is a factor Xa inhibitor.
The FDA-approved indication is for thromboprophylaxis in pediatric patients aged 2 years and older with congenital heart disease who have undergone the Fontan procedure. The label also lists indications for: reducing stroke/systemic embolism risk in nonvalvular atrial fibrillation; treatment of DVT; treatment of PE; reduction in risk of recurrence of DVT/PE; prophylaxis of DVT following hip/knee replacement; prophylaxis of VTE in acutely ill medical patients not at high bleeding risk; reduction of major cardiovascular events in CAD (with aspirin); reduction of major thrombotic vascular events in PAD (with aspirin); and treatment/reduction of recurrent VTE in pediatric patients from birth to <18 years.
For the newly approved pediatric Fontan thromboprophylaxis indication, the label states: 'Pediatric Patients: See dosing recommendations in the Full Prescribing Information (2.2).' For adult indications, dosages vary: Nonvalvular AF: 15 or 20 mg once daily with food; DVT/PE treatment: 15 mg twice daily with food for 21 days, then 20 mg once daily with food; Recurrence risk reduction of DVT/PE: 10 mg once daily; DVT prophylaxis post-orthopedic surgery: 10 mg once daily; VTE prophylaxis in acutely ill medical patients: 10 mg once daily for 31-39 days; CAD or PAD: 2.5 mg twice daily with aspirin.
Trial data not available in label for the pediatric Fontan procedure indication. For the nonvalvular atrial fibrillation indication, the label notes: 'There are limited data on the relative effectiveness of XARELTO and warfarin in reducing the risk of stroke and systemic embolism when warfarin therapy is well-controlled.'
Not reported in label for the specific pediatric Fontan indication. General warnings from other sections note that for prophylaxis in acutely ill medical patients, it is indicated for those 'not at high risk of bleeding.'
Xarelto is indicated as thromboprophylaxis specifically for pediatric patients 2 years and older with congenital heart disease status post Fontan procedure. It is also indicated for the treatment and secondary prevention of VTE in the broader pediatric population from birth to less than 18 years.