The Figure illustrates the flow diagram for the ARISTOTLE trial with apixaban versus INR-adjusted warfarin.[99] It can be seen that both the inclusion and exclusion factors were very similar to those in the RE-LY trial with dabigatran.[96] On the other hand, unlike RE-LY, ARISTOTLE was double-blind, double-dummy trial, the same as ROCKET AF with rivaroxaban.^[[97] Based on dose-ranging studies, the dose of apixaban was set at 5 mg twice a day (bid, as with dabigatran).  In selected patients, based on age, body weight, and renal function (serum creatine ≥1.5 mg/dL), the dose might be halved to 2.5 mg bid.  The primary outcome and safety outcomes were exactly the same as in the trials with dabigatran and rivaroxaban.

 Reiffel JA. Am J Med 2013; 126: 00-00.