Practical Considerations for the Nonvitamin K Antagonist Oral Anticoagulants

Dabigatran, rivaroxaban, apixaban, and edoxaban are nonvitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) approved for stroke prevention in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF). Phase-3 clinical trials demonstrated NOACs were as effective as warfarin in the prevention of stroke or systemic embolism and associated with decreased incidences of intracranial bleeding. Additionally, NOACs provide quicker onset of action, simpler dosing, more predictable pharmacokinetic profiles, and decreased food and drug interactions compared with warfarin. Despite the advantages of NOACs, the lack of knowledge may limit their use in clinical practice.