 Apixaban is an oral factor Xa inhibitor, which has been tested in a number of indications. In the AVERROES study in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation deemed not suitable for treatment with a vitamin-K antagonist apixaban compared to aspirin reduced the incidence of stroke and systemic embolism without increasing bleeding complications. In the large ARISTOTELE study apixaban was superior to warfarin, it re-duced the primary endpoint of stroke and systemic embolism caused less bleeding and reduced all-cause mortality. Subsequently apixaban has been approved by the European health authorities for the use in patients with atrial fibrillation. It is therefore of interest to determine use of apixaban in real life with respect to patient selection, adherence to therapy and midterm efficacy and safety. 