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A-Fib Patients: Vazalore to Replace Aspirin
In 2014, Aspirin was removed from the AHA/ACC/HRS Guidelines for the Management of Patients with Atrial Fibrillation. (See my 2020 Update: Aspirin No Longer Recommended as First-Line Therapy for Stroke.)
There hasn’t been innovation in the mechanism of Aspirin delivery in over 50 years.
Not only is Aspirin proved relatively ineffective as an anticoagulant but it causes increased risk of gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding, ulcers, nose bleeds, wet macular degeneration, and hemorrhagic stroke.
For secondary prevention patients (after a heart attack), nearly 25% with a history of GI issues reported discontinuing aspirin against medical advice because of “stomach issues”.
Vazalore: Delivers Aspirin in a New Form
Vazalore Aspirin Therapy from PLx Pharma
In March 2021, the U.S. FDA approved the medication, Vazalore (PLx Pharma), a capsule containing aspirin and protective fatty substances called liposomes.
As liquid-filled capsules, Vazalore delivers Aspirin differently. The special complex inside the capsule allows for targeted release of aspirin, limiting its direct contact with the stomach.
Vazalore works four times faster than aspirin, with 71% less injury. It’s absorbed five times better than aspirin. It comes in low-dose (81 mg) and full-strength (325 mg) versions.
Aspirin Continues as “Secondary” Prevention
“Secondary prevention” refers to those who have already had a stroke or heart attack; the goal is to prevent another.
While no longer recommended as an anticoagulant for Atrial Fibrillation patients, Aspirin still has a roll to play in cardiac health.
Aspirin is recommended for a “secondary” prevention of recurrence of a heart attack. It significantly reduces the risk for a second heart attack or stroke. (Translation: If you’ve already had a heart attack or stroke, you may be on traditional Aspirin to prevent a second event.)
Editor’s Comments
It’s too early to tell how Vazalore compares to the use of DOACs (Direct-Acting Oral Anticoagulants).
But for those who have to take Aspirin (such as people with stents), Vazalore seems like a major game changer and medical breakthrough. It’s a way to get the benefits of aspirin without the bad side effects such as GI bleeding, ulcers, etc.
Now that Vazalore is FDA approved, let’s wait and see how it performs in practice as compared to clinical trials.
Are you on Vazalore? If you have been taking Vazalore for your Atrial Fibrillation, would you share your impressions? Email me and let me know about your experience.
