Non-vitamin K antagonist oral anti-coagulation agents (NOACs) for the prevention of stroke and systemic embolism in non-valvular atrial fibrillation

Published on 03 May 2017
Last Updated on 01 Jul 2022

Guidance Recommendations

The Ministry of Health’s Drug Advisory Committee has recommended:

• Rivaroxaban 15 mg and 20 mg tablets, and apixaban 2.5 mg and 5 mg tablets for preventing stroke and systemic embolism in patients with NVAF and:

  • CHA₂DS₂-VASc score of 1 or more for men; and

  • CHA₂DS₂-VASc score of 2 or more for women.

Rivaroxaban or apixaban should not be used in patients with valvular AF (especially rheumatic mitral stenosis), or patients with prosthetic heart valves.

Subsidy status

Rivaroxaban 15 mg and 20 mg tablets are recommended for inclusion on the Medication Assistance Fund (MAF) for the abovementioned indication.

Apixaban 2.5 mg and 5 mg tablets are recommended for reclassification from MAF to the MOH Standard Drug List (SDL). 

SDL subsidy or MAF assistance do not apply to any strengths of dabigatran.

NOACs for preventing stroke and systemic embolism in non-valvular atrial fibrillation (1 Jul 22) [PDF, 133 KB]

PES Anticoagulants to treat and prevent blood clots (Published 1 July 2022) [PDF, 141 KB]