Perceived Advantages and Disadvantages of Oral Anticoagulants, and the Trade-offs Patients Make in Choosing Anticoagulant Therapy and Adhering to Their Drug Regimen

Oral anticoagulant therapy (OAT) is proven to be highly effective for stroke prevention in patients suffering from atrial fibrillation (AF) [1,2]. Vitamin K antagonists (VKAs), particularly warfarin, which is the most commonly used VKA, have long been the standard of care to prevent AF-related stroke [3]. However, in recent years the European Medicines Agency has approved a number of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) as (possible) alternatives to VKAs. The perceived benefits of DOACs include their high efficacy and low risk of bleeding, the rapid onset/offset of action, fewer food and drug interactions, and predictable pharmacokinetics that eliminate the need for monthly coagulation monitoring and frequent dose adjustment [4,5].

Source: Patient Education and Counseling - July 2, 2018 Category: International Medicine & Public Health Authors: Melissa C.W. Vaanholt, Marieke G.M. Weernink, Clemens von Birgelen, Catharina G.M. Groothuis-Oudshoorn, Maarten J. Ijzerman, Janine A. van Til Source Type: research