Update on Direct Oral Anticoagulants and Their Uses

Publication date: Available online 3 January 2017 Source:Hospital Medicine Clinics Author(s): Vigyan Bang, Russell S. Zide, Chi-Cheng HuangTeaser New oral anticoagulants (NOACs), now termed direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) offer an alternative to warfarin for several thrombotic conditions, including nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (AF) and venous thromboembolism (VTE). Their unique properties allow more predictable dosing and ease of use, avoid the need for perioperative bridging anticoagulation, and have similar or improved efficacy and reduced side effect risk compared with warfarin. Although they have now become the first-line choice for treatment of VTE and AF, there is still an important role for warfarin. In this review, we provide a summary of DOAC characteristics, their clinical applications and an overview of the therapeutic options available for DOAC reversal.
Source: Hospital Medicine Clinics - Category: Internal Medicine Source Type: research