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Review of Direct Oral Anticoagulants and Guide for Effective Drug Utilization

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Abstract

Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) have been developed as a viable and in some cases superior alternative to warfarin. These agents have overcome some of the limitations of warfarin, which has a narrow therapeutic window and many food and drug interactions. DOACs have been demonstrated to have a more predictable and reliable pharmacology and, unlike warfarin, do not require frequent monitoring of anticoagulant effect. For these reasons, the use of DOACs is increasing. Despite the many positive attributes of these agents, limitations and contraindications do exist. An understanding of the pharmacology, indications, and contraindications is therefore crucial for effective patient management. We review the available agents to aid in effective drug utilization.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. International Heart Institute, Loma Linda University Medical Center, 11234 Anderson Street, Suite 2426, Loma Linda, CA, 92354, USA

    Tigran Khachatryan, Christopher Hauschild, Jason Hoff, Tahmeed Contractor, Huyentran Tran, Bert Matsuo & Anthony Hilliard

  2. Reno School of Medicine, University of Nevada, Reno, NV, USA

    Arthur Khachatryan

  3. Department of Cardiology, VA Loma Linda Health Care Systems, Loma Linda, CA, USA

    Alan Jacobson

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  1. Tigran Khachatryan
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TK, CH, JH, TC, AK, HT, BM, AJ, and AH have no conflicts of interest that are relevant to the content of this review.

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Khachatryan, T., Hauschild, C., Hoff, J. et al. Review of Direct Oral Anticoagulants and Guide for Effective Drug Utilization. Am J Cardiovasc Drugs 19, 525–539 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40256-019-00344-6

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