Novel oral anticoagulants for atrial fibrillation.
10.11622/smedj.2015184
- Author:
Choon How HOW
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
NOAC;
anticoagulation;
atrial fibrillation;
non-VKA oral anticoagulants
- MeSH:
Administration, Oral;
Anticoagulants;
administration & dosage;
Atrial Fibrillation;
drug therapy;
Cardiology;
methods;
Dabigatran;
administration & dosage;
Family;
Humans;
Professional-Patient Relations;
Rivaroxaban;
administration & dosage;
Stroke;
prevention & control;
Thromboembolism;
prevention & control;
Warfarin;
administration & dosage
- From:Singapore medical journal
2015;56(12):657-quiz 659
- CountrySingapore
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Anticoagulation therapy is effective in preventing primary and secondary thromboembolic events due to atrial fibrillation. Warfarin, which was approved by the United States in 1954, was the only long-term oral anticoagulation therapy till the approval of dabigatran in 2010, and of rivaroxaban and other direct factor Xa inhibitors from 2011, forming a group known as novel oral anticoagulants (NOAC). NOAC have fewer food and drug interactions compared to warfarin; hence, the patient will require fewer clinic visits. However, the short half-life of NOAC means that twice-a-day dosing is needed and there is higher risk of a prothrombotic state when doses are missed. Other disadvantages are the lack of long-term data on NOAC, their high cost and the current lack of locally available antidotes.
