Abstract

Novel oral anti-coagulants [NOACs: dabigatran (Pradaxa®, Boehringer Ingelheim, Germany), rivaroxaban (Xarelto®, Bayer, Germany), apixaban (Eliquis®, Bristol- Myers Squibb, USA), edoxaban (Savaysa®, Daiichi- Sankyo, Japan)] are used more often for the prevention of systemic embolism in atrial fibrillation and for the treatment of venous thromboembolism. Unlike warfarin, NOACs have more predictable pharmacokinetics, fewer drug interactions, shorter half-lives, and quicker onset of action.[1] They do not require frequent laboratory monitoring, but there is a lack of validated reversal strategies for these agents in cases of emergency surgery, life-threatening bleeding, and overdose.[2] Elderly patients with impaired renal function are especially vulnerable.

Authors and Affiliations