NOACs preferred over warfarin for anticoagulation therapy
Quiz yourself! Why are NOACs preferred over more traditional anticoagulation therapy like warfarin?
Pop quiz: August 22, 2024
The NOACs (new oral anticoagulants) are now preferred over warfarin for anticoagulation therapy. Why?
a. NOACs can be prescribed for patients with valvular and non-valvular atrial fibrillation.
b. NOACs have more predictable pharmacokinetics and do not require monitoring.
c. NOACs have been associated with reduced rates of intracranial bleeding events.
d. NOACs are safer for patients with liver disease and end-stage kidney disease.
Answer: B & C
Explanation:
As of 2019, the American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association guidelines recommend NOACs over warfarin for anticoagulation therapy. There are a number of reasons for this, including more predictable pharmacokinetics, quicker onset, no interaction with foods, and a reduced rate of intracranial and severe bleeding events, but they are only beneficial for certain patient populations. NOACs should not be used in individuals with valvular atrial fibrillation and because of the involvement of the kidneys and liver in the metabolism of NOACs, patients with liver disease or end-stage renal disease should be prescribed warfarin or apixaban.
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