The Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) has accepted the use of rivaroxaban (Xarelto™) within NHS Scotland for the treatment of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and the prevention of recurrent DVT and pulmonary embolism (PE) following an acute DVT in adults.

The drug advice notes that rivaroxaban has been shown to be non-inferior to standard anticoagulant therapy including a low molecular weight heparin in combination with a vitamin K antagonist for the treatment of proximal DVT and prevention of recurrence.

Experience with rivaroxaban in this indication for more than 12 months is limited therefore the cost-effectiveness of indefinite treatment has not been demonstrated.