The new era of anticoagulation

For decades, warfarin, a Vitamin K antagonist, was the only oral anticoagulant available to physicians. However, over the last decade, newer agents with different mechanisms of action have become available for the treatment and prevention of thromboembolic events. Physicians must become familiar with the pharmacokinetics, mechanisms of action, indications, risks, and benefits of these agents to become comfortable using them in clinical practice. This review will serve to discuss these aspects of the novel non-Vitamin K oral anticoagulant agents.