Non-vitamin K Antagonist Oral Anticoagulants (NOACs) Versus Warfarin in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation Using P-gp and/or CYP450-Interacting Drugs: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Grymonprez et al., 2023 | Cardiovasc Drugs Ther | Meta Analysis

Citation

Grymonprez Maxim, Vanspranghe Kevin, ... Lahousse Lies. Non-vitamin K Antagonist Oral Anticoagulants (NOACs) Versus Warfarin in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation Using P-gp and/or CYP450-Interacting Drugs: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Cardiovasc Drugs Ther. 2023-Aug;37(4):781-791. doi:10.1007/s10557-021-07279-8

Abstract

PURPOSE: Non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) are excreted by P-glycoprotein (P-gp) and some are metabolized by CYP450 enzymes such as CYP3A4. Although fewer drug interactions are present with NOACs, it is unclear whether NOACs should also be preferred over vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) using pharmacokinetically interacting drugs. Therefore, the benefit-risk profile of NOACs versus VKAs was investigated in AF patients treated with P-gp and/or CYP450-interacting drugs. METHODS: Using PubMed and Embase, randomized controlled trials and observational studies on the effectiveness and safety of NOACs versus VKAs in AF patients using P-gp and/or CYP450-interacting drugs were included. A meta-analysis was performed, calculating relative risks (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) with the Mantel-Haenszel method. RESULTS: Twelve studies were included, investigating 10,793 NOAC and 10,096 VKA users treated with P-gp/CYP3A4 inhibitors, whereas no studies on P-gp and/or CYP450-inducing drugs were identified. Compared to VKAs, NOACs were associated with a borderline non-significantly lower stroke or systemic embolism (stroke/SE) risk (RR 0.85, 95%CI (0.72-1.01)), significantly lower intracranial bleeding (RR 0.47, 95%CI (0.34-0.65)) and all-cause mortality risks (RR 0.87, 95%CI (0.79-0.95), but significantly higher gastrointestinal bleeding risk (RR 1.74, 95%CI (1.06-2.86)). Among AF patients using amiodarone, NOACs were associated with significantly lower stroke/SE (RR 0.71, 95%CI (0.54-0.93)) and intracranial bleeding risks (RR 0.51, 95%CI (0.29-0.88)), but significantly higher gastrointestinal bleeding risk (RR 2.15, 95%CI (1.24-3.72)) than VKAs. CONCLUSION: The benefit-risk profile of NOACs compared to VKAs was preserved in AF patients using P-gp/CYP3A4 inhibitors, including amiodarone.

Key Findings

Twelve studies were included, investigating 10,793 NOAC and 10,096 VKA users treated with P-gp/CYP3A4 inhibitors, whereas no studies on P-gp and/or CYP450-inducing drugs were identified. Compared to VKAs, NOACs were associated with a borderline non-significantly lower stroke or systemic embolism (stroke/SE) risk (RR 0.85, 95%CI (0.72-1.01)), significantly lower intracranial bleeding (RR 0.47, 95%CI (0.34-0.65)) and all-cause mortality risks (RR 0.87, 95%CI (0.79-0.95), but significantly higher g

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population atrial fibrillation
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Humans
  • Warfarin
  • Anticoagulants
  • Atrial Fibrillation
  • ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B, Member 1
  • Administration, Oral
  • Cytochrome P-450 CYP3A Inhibitors
  • Stroke
  • Intracranial Hemorrhages
  • Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage
  • Embolism
  • Amiodarone

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Meta-Analysis, Systematic Review, Journal Article
  • Vertical: vitamin-k

Provenance


Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09