Open AccessReproductive issues in women on direct oral anticoagulants
Author(s) -
BeyerWestendorf Jan,
Marten Sandra
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
research and practice in thrombosis and haemostasis
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2475-0379
DOI - 10.1002/rth2.12512
Subject(s) - medicine , dosing , warfarin , intensive care medicine , pregnancy , vitamin k , venous thromboembolism , oral anticoagulant , anticoagulant , gynecology , surgery , atrial fibrillation , thrombosis , pharmacology , genetics , biology
Abstract Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are replacing warfarin and other vitamin K antagonists for a wide range of indications. Advantages of DOAC therapy are fewer food and drug interactions and fixed dosing without routine laboratory monitoring, making DOACs the perfect choice especially for younger patients, in whom the main indication for anticoagulation is prevention and treatment of venous thromboembolism (VTE). Although DOACs are safer and much more convenient than other anticoagulant alternatives, their profile may have drawbacks, especially for younger female patients in whom reproductive issues need special considerations. These may include the issue of heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) during anticoagulant therapy, the embryotoxicity risk from inadvertent DOAC exposure during pregnancy, and the prevention or planning of pregnancies during DOAC therapy. This review summarizes the most relevant evidence in this increasingly important field of women’s health.