(Doacs) APIXABAN/DABIGATRAN/EDOXABAN/RIVAROXABAN

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

(Doacs) APIXABAN/DABIGATRAN/EDOXABAN/RIVAROXABAN MANAGEMENT PLAN FOLLOWING INITIATION OF DIRECT ORAL ANTICOAGULANTS (DOACs) APIXABAN/DABIGATRAN/EDOXABAN/RIVAROXABAN CONSIDERATIONS AT TIME OF INITIATION Confirm appropriateness of therapy Obtain baseline labs (CBC/LFTs/SCr) and calculate creatinine clearance (CrCl) using Cockcroft-Gault Conduct medication review to assess potential for drug interactions (see https://depts.washington.edu/anticoag) Review indication for therapy and provide education to patient, supplemented by written materials Apixaban for treatment of VTE: DOAC MONIITORING CHECKLIST change dose from 10mg bid (for 1 week ) to 5mg bid 1 1 Week Follow-Up FOR EACH FOLLOWUP VISIT Adherence (including Rx refills) Is patient experiencing Yes Take with food and full glass dyspepsia? of water Thromboembolic events Consider PPI or H2 blocker Bleeding events/risk factors Is patient experiencing Yes other adverse side effects? Treat any modifiable factors Adverse effects and/or consider switching to No another agent Medication review for potentially interacting drugs At 3 weeks Rivaroxaban for including ASA and NSAIDs (see treatment of VTE: change dose from https://depts.washington.edu/ 15mg bid (for 3 anticoag) weeks) to 20mg qday Reassessment of appropriate- ness and duration of therapy At 3 Months Repeat CBC Repeat SCR/Calculate CrCl Any sign of medication 1 intolerance? Clinical judgment should be used to At 6 months determine frequency of monitoring based on patient’s overall health, compliance, and risk factors Continuing Follow-up After 1st 6 Months 1. CrCl > 60 m/min: Checklist once yearly Any concerns? including annual LFTs 2. CrCl < 60 ml, age> 75, wt < 60kg or medically fragile: Checklist q6months and No Yes annual LFTs Continue routine scheduled Reassess risk vs benefit follow-up Adjust dose or switch to another anticoagulant Increase frequency of monitoring for patients with renal or hepatic impairment or at risk for worsening renal or hepatic function UW Medicine Anticoagulation Services June 2015 .
Recommended publications
  • Doacs) and the Antidote Idarucizumab
    Update overview 2019 of reports on direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) and the antidote idarucizumab Introduction Lareb previously published yearly overviews of reports (most recently in 2018) in consultation with the Medicines Evaluation Board CBG-MEB, concerning the direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) dabigatran Pradaxa®, registered in the Netherlands in 2008 [1], rivaroxaban Xarelto®, registered in 2008 [2], apixaban Eliquis®, registered in 2011 [3] and edoxaban (Lixiana®), registered in 2015 [4-9]. The current overview provides a new yearly update of the reports received by Lareb for these DOACs. Furthermore, reports received by Lareb for the antidote idarucizumab are described in this overview. Idarucizumab is a specific antidote for dabigatran and was registered in the Netherlands in 2015 [10]. For this overview, data from the national ADR database were used. These data include reports with serious outcome from the Lareb Intensive Monitoring System (LIM). The DOACs have been monitored with the LIM methodology since September 2012. Prescription data The number of patients using DOACs in the Netherlands according to the GIP database is shown in table 1 [11]. These data are based on extramurally provided medication included in the Dutch health insurance package. Because the antidote idarucizumab is administered in the hospital and not reimbursed directly via the healthcare insurance, these data are not available for this drug. The number of reports received by the Netherlands Pharmacovigilance Centre Lareb per year since 2013 for each DOAC, is also shown in table 1. Furthermore, table 1 shows the calculated number of these reports per 1.000 users according to the GIP database. As noted before, the data from the GIP database represent reimbursed medicines and these may differ from actually prescribed medicines.
    [Show full text]
  • Dabigatran, Rivaroxaban, and Warfarin in the Oldest Adults With
    CLINICAL INVESTIGATION Dabigatran, Rivaroxaban, and Warfarin in the Oldest Adults with Atrial Fibrillation in Taiwan Chao-Lun Lai, MD, PhD,*†‡§ Ho-Min Chen, MS,† Min-Tsun Liao, MD,* and Ting-Tse Lin, MD* mortality and cardiovascular mortality than those who OBJECTIVES: To compare the effectiveness and safety of used warfarin. Reduced-dose dabigatran was also associ- reduced-dose dabigatran, reduced-dose rivaroxaban, and warfa- ated with lower risk of intracranial hemorrhage than war- rin in individuals aged 85 and older with atrial fibrillation (AF). farin. J Am AmGeriatr GeriatrSoc Soc66:1567–1574, 2018. 2018. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: Taiwan National Health Insurance claims database, 20112015. Key words: dabigatran; rivaroxaban; warfarin; effec- PARTICIPANTS: Individuals with AF aged 85 and older tiveness; safety; octogenarian (mean 88.6) with incident use of oral anticoagulants between June 1, 2012 and May 31, 2015 (N54,722; dabi- gatran 110 mg, n51,489; rivaroxaban 15 mg/10 mg, n51,736; warfarin, n51,497). MEASUREMENTS: Clinical outcomes included all-cause death, cardiovascular death, ischemic stroke, acute myocardial he risk of ischemic stroke is 5 times as high in individ- infarction, arterial embolism or thrombosis, intracranial hem- T uals with atrial fibrillation (AF) than in those with- orrhage, and gastrointestinal hemorrhage needing transfusion. out.1 Warfarin, the classic vitamin K antagonist, can reduce 2 Propensity score–matched analysis was performed, and the the risk of ischemic stroke by approximately 60%, but the marginal proportional hazards model was used to estimate the narrow therapeutic window and risk of bleeding complica- relative risk of various clinical outcomes in a matched tions associated with warfarin therapy have led to its being 1 dabigatran-warfarin cohort (n51,180 in each group) and a underused.
    [Show full text]
  • Edoxaban Switch Programme - Frequently Asked Questions
    Edoxaban Switch Programme - Frequently Asked Questions What should I tell patients? NHS Tayside is reviewing all patients currently receiving a Direct Oral Anticoagulant (DOAC) for stroke prevention in NV-AF(non-valvular atrial fibrillation) Edoxaban has been identified as the first choice DOAC. It is similarly effective to the other DOAC options but costs considerably less Clinical experts in Tayside are supporting the use of edoxaban All newly diagnosed NV-AF patients will be started on edoxaban as 1st choice for those unsuitable for warfarin Existing patients already on a DOAC for NV-AF are to be reviewed and considered for switch to edoxaban This will help to ensure that the money available to spend on medicines is being used appropriately Is edoxaban as good as the other DOACs? Yes, the evidence is that it is as effective as warfarin and the other DOACs. It is licensed for this indication and has been recommended by the Scottish Medicines Consortium Other Scottish Health Boards are also considering the use of edoxaban A recent Health Improvement Scotland (HIS) summary (http://www.healthcareimprovementscotland.org/our_work/cardiovascular_dis ease/programme_resources/doac_review_report.aspx) is consistent with this Tayside switch recommendation Lead clinicians from cardiology, stroke, vascular medicine, relevant MCN’s and haematology are all supportive of this Tayside guidance on the basis of current evidence Will we need to do a further switch if the price of other DOACs falls? The rebate on edoxaban is in place for five
    [Show full text]
  • DOACS COMPARISON and Faqs
    NOACS/DOACS*: PRACTICAL ISSUES AND FREQUENTLY-ASKED QUESTIONS OBJECTIVES: • To summarize characteristics of the direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) currently available in Canada. • To address common practical issues related to DOAC use. • To address frequently asked questions regarding DOACs. BACKGROUND: The DOACs, which consist of apixaban, dabigatran, edoxaban, and rivaroxaban are used for the prevention and treatment of venous thromboembolism (VTE) and for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation (AF). Practical advantages of DOACs over warfarin include fixed once- or twice-daily oral dosing without the need for coagulation test monitoring, relatively fewer known drug interactions and no known food interactions. Like warfarin, DOACs increase the risk for bleeding and should be administered under close clinical monitoring. Practical issues regarding the everyday use of DOACs will be addressed in this guide. PRACTICAL AND LIFESTYLE ISSUES: Can DOACs be taken with meals? Rivaroxaban should be taken with meals to enhance absorption; the tablet can be crushed and taken with soft foods such as applesauce. Apixaban, dabigatran, edoxaban can be taken with or without meals. However, taking dabigatran with meals can reduce dyspepsia. Dabigatran capsules should not be opened, broken or chewed before swallowing. Are there any foods or beverages that need to be avoided with DOACs? Unlike with warfarin, there are no known food interactions with DOACs, so there are no food restrictions when taking these medications. In addition, there is no evidence that drinking grapefruit juice affects the effectiveness or safety of DOACs. In general, it is acceptable for patients taking a DOAC to drink alcoholic beverages in moderation (e.g. a glass of wine with a meal) as it is for patients on warfarin.
    [Show full text]
  • Anatomisch-Therapeutisch-Chemische Klassifikation Mit Tagesdosen Für Den Deutschen Arzneimittelmarkt Gemäß § 73 Abs
    Wissenschaftliches Institut der AOK GKV-Arzneimittelindex Anatomisch-therapeutisch-chemische Klassifikation mit Tagesdosen für den deutschen Arzneimittelmarkt gemäß § 73 Abs. 8 Satz 5 SGB V. 14. Sitzung der Arbeitsgruppe ATC/DDD des Kuratoriums für Fragen der Klassifikation im Gesundheitswesen am 27. November 2015, BMG in Berlin © WIdO 2015 GKV-Arzneimittelindex Agenda • Das anatomisch-therapeutisch-chemische Klassifikationssystem • Entwicklung der ATC/DDD Klassifikation • Workflow ATC/DDD 2016 • Beschlussvorlage • Stellungnahmen zu der Beschlussvorlage • Workflow ATC/DDD 2017 © WIdO 2015 14. Sitzung der Arbeitsgruppe ATC/DDD des KKG 2 GKV-Arzneimittelindex Agenda • Das anatomisch-therapeutisch-chemische Klassifikationssystem • Entwicklung der ATC/DDD Klassifikation • Workflow ATC/DDD 2016 • Beschlussvorlage • Stellungnahmen zu der Beschlussvorlage • Workflow ATC/DDD 2017 © WIdO 2015 14. Sitzung der Arbeitsgruppe ATC/DDD des KKG 3 GKV-Arzneimittelindex Das Anatomisch-therapeutisch-chemische Klassifikationssystem A Alimentäres System und Stoffwechsel B Blut und blutbildende Organe C Kardiovaskuläres System D Dermatika G Urogenitalsystem und Sexualhormone H Systemische Hormonpräparate, exkl. Sexualhormone u. Insuline J Antiinfektiva zur systemischen Anwendung L Antineoplastische und immunmodulierende Mittel M Muskel- und Skelettsystem N Nervensystem P Antiparasitäre Mittel, Insektizide und Repellenzien R Respirationstrakt S Sinnesorgane V Varia © WIdO 2015 14. Sitzung der Arbeitsgruppe ATC/DDD des KKG 4 GKV-Arzneimittelindex Das Anatomisch-therapeutisch-chemische
    [Show full text]
  • Atrial Fibrillation
    CONFIDENTIAL NATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR HEALTH AND CLINICAL EXCELLENCE Premeeting briefing Dabigatran for the prevention of stroke and systemic embolism in atrial fibrillation This briefing presents the key issues arising from the manufacturer’s submission, Evidence Review Group (ERG) report and statements made by consultees and their nominated clinical specialists and patient experts. Please note that this briefing is a summary of the information available and should be read with the full supporting documents. The manufacturer was asked to…. provide justification for reducing the dabigatran treatment dose from 150 mg to 110 mg at 80 years of age comment on the impact of being unable to utilise P-glycoprotein inhibitors on the use of dabigatran and the management of atrial fibrillation provide a justification for choosing the mixed treatment comparison (MTC) (SAS) for the base case instead of the results from the MTC (WinBUGs) provide a comparison of the different hazard ratios from the MTC (SAS), MTC (WinBUGS) analyses and the direct pairwise results and justify any discrepancies justify the exclusion of trials with zero event arms from the MTC provide a revised model with the ability to choose any of the included treatments (dabigatran or warfarin) as either a first-line or a second-line treatment option provide base-case cost-effectiveness results comparing dabigatran 110 mg and 150 mg when used as either first-line treatment or as a second-line treatment following warfarin analyse and provide base-case cost-effectiveness comparing the results of the following treatment sequences: dabigatran → warfarin → aspirin → no treatment and warfarin → aspirin → no treatment.
    [Show full text]
  • Lixiana, INN-Edoxaban
    ANNEX I SUMMARY OF PRODUCT CHARACTERISTICS 1 1. NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT Lixiana 15 mg film-coated tablets Lixiana 30 mg film-coated tablets Lixiana 60 mg film-coated tablets 2. QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE COMPOSITION Lixiana 15 mg film-coated tablets Each 15 mg film-coated tablet contains 15 mg edoxaban (as tosilate). Lixiana 30 mg film-coated tablets Each 30 mg film-coated tablet contains 30 mg edoxaban (as tosilate). Lixiana 60 mg film-coated tablets Each 60 mg film-coated tablet contains 60 mg edoxaban (as tosilate). For the full list of excipients, see section 6.1. 3. PHARMACEUTICAL FORM Film-coated tablet. Lixiana 15 mg film-coated tablets Orange, round-shaped film-coated tablets (6.7 mm diameter) debossed with “DSC L15”. Lixiana 30 mg film-coated tablets Pink, round-shaped film-coated tablets (8.5 mm diameter) debossed with “DSC L30”. Lixiana 60 mg film-coated tablets Yellow, round-shaped film-coated tablets (10.5 mm diameter) debossed with “DSC L60”. 4. CLINICAL PARTICULARS 4.1 Therapeutic indications Lixiana is indicated in prevention of stroke and systemic embolism in adult patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) with one or more risk factors, such as congestive heart failure, hypertension, age ≥ 75 years, diabetes mellitus, prior stroke or transient ischaemic attack (TIA). Lixiana is indicated in treatment of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), and for the prevention of recurrent DVT and PE in adults (see section 4.4 for haemodynamically unstable PE patients). 2 4.2 Posology and method of administration Posology Prevention of stroke and systemic embolism The recommended dose is 60 mg edoxaban once daily.
    [Show full text]
  • Laboratory Monitoring of Direct Oral Anticoagulants (Doacs)
    biomedicines Review Laboratory Monitoring of Direct Oral Anticoagulants (DOACs) Claire Dunois HYPHEN BioMed, Sysmex Group, 95000 Neuville sur Oise, France; [email protected] Abstract: The introduction of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs), such as dabigatran, rivaroxaban, apixaban, edoxaban, and betrixaban, provides safe and effective alternative to previous anticoagulant therapies. DOACs directly, selectively, and reversibly inhibit factors IIa or Xa. The coagulation effect follows the plasma concentration–time profile of the respective anticoagulant. The short half-life of a DOAC constrains the daily oral intake. Because DOACs have predictable pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic responses at a fixed dose, they do not require monitoring. However in specific clinical situations and for particular patient populations, testing may be helpful for patient management. The effect of DOACs on the screening coagulation assays such as prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), and thrombin time (TT) is directly linked to reagent composition, and clotting time can be different from reagent to reagent, depending on the DOAC’s reagent sensitivity. Liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) is considered the gold standard method for DOAC measurement, but it is time consuming and requires expensive equipment. The general consensus for the assessment of a DOAC is clotting or chromogenic assays using specific standard calibrators and controls. This review provides a short summary of DOAC properties and an update on laboratory methods for measuring DOACs. Keywords: DOAC; monitoring; screening assays; quantitative assays Citation: Dunois, C. Laboratory Monitoring of Direct Oral Anticoagulants (DOACs). 1. Introduction Biomedicines 2021, 9, 445. https:// Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) constitute first-line therapy used for many throm- doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines9050445 boembolic indications, such as prevention and treatment of venous thromboembolism (VTE) and stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation (AF) [1,2].
    [Show full text]
  • Anticoagulant Pradaxa (Dabigatran Etexilate Mesylate) Savaysa (Edoxaban) Xarelto 2.5Mg (Rivaroxaban) Effective 01/01/2021
    Anticoagulant Pradaxa (dabigatran etexilate mesylate) Savaysa (edoxaban) Xarelto 2.5mg (rivaroxaban) Effective 01/01/2021 ☒ MassHealth Plan ☒ ☐Commercial/Exchange Prior Authorization Program Type ☒ Quantity Limit ☒ Pharmacy Benefit Benefit ☐ Step Therapy ☐ Medical Benefit (NLX) Specialty N/A Limitations Specialty Medications All Plans Phone: 866-814-5506 Fax: 866-249-6155 Non-Specialty Medications Contact MassHealth Phone: 877-433-7643 Fax: 866-255-7569 Information Commercial Phone: 800-294-5979 Fax: 888-836-0730 Exchange Phone: 855-582-2022 Fax: 855-245-2134 Medical Specialty Medications (NLX) All Plans Phone: 844-345-2803 Fax: 844-851-0882 Exceptions N/A Overview Xarelto and Savaysa are factor Xa inhibitors which inhibit platelet activation and fibrin clot formation. Pradaxa is a thrombin inhibitor which blocks free and fibrin bound thrombin. These medications are indicated for: . Treatment of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) – Pradaxa and Savaysa . Prevention of stroke and systemic embolism in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation. – Pradaxa, Xarelto, and Savaysa . Prophylaxis of DVT and/or PE in patients who have undergone total hip arthroplasty. - Xarelto and Pradaxa . Prophylaxis of venous thromboembolism (VTE) – Xarelto . Reduction in the risk of recurrence of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) – Xarelto . Reduction of risk of major cardiovascular (CV) events (CV death, myocardial infarction, and stroke) in patients with coronary artery disease (chronic) or peripheral artery disease. - Xarelto No PA PA required Pradaxa® (dabigatran etexilate mesylate 110 mg) ≤ 70 Pradaxa® (dabigatran etexilate mesylate 75 mg, 150 capsules/365 days mg) Pradaxa® (dabigatran etexilate mesylate 110 mg) > 70 Eliquis® (apixaban) PD capsules/365 days ® ® Xarelto (rivaroxaban 10 mg, 15 mg, 20 mg, starter pack) Savaysa (edoxaban) ® Xarelto (rivaroxaban 2.5 mg tablet) PD Preferred Drug.
    [Show full text]
  • BIOPHEN™ Heparin LRT Assay Can Be Calibrated for the Assay of Various Anti-Xa Anti-Xa Drugs Are Absent from Normal Plasma
    BIOPHEN™ Heparin LRT REF 221011 R1 R2 4 x 7.5 mL REF 221013 R1 R2 3 x 3 mL Sales and Support: CoaChrom Diagnostica GmbH REF 221015 R1 R2 4 x 5 mL www.coachrom.com | [email protected] Tel: +43-1-236 222 1 | Fax: +43-1-236 222 111 Toll-free contact for Germany: Tel: 0800-24 66 33-0 | Fax: 0800-24 66 33-3 Anti-Xa chromogenic method for the assay of Heparin and their analogs, and direct FXa inhibitors, with ready to use liquid reagents English, last revision: 04-2019 INTENDED USE: For manual method, allow to stabilize for 30 minutes at room temperature (18-25°C), The BIOPHEN™ Heparin LRT kit is an anti-Xa chromogenic method for the in vitro homogenize before use. quantitative determination of heparin and theirs analogs, in human citrated plasma, using a manual or automated method. This method is appropriate for the Apixaban, STORAGE AND STABILITY: Rivaroxaban and Edoxaban assay, direct Factor Xa (FXa) inhibitors. This method is Unopened reagents should be stored at 2-8°C in their original packaging. Under these also appropriate for the determination of anti-Xa activity assay of Arixtra® conditions, they can be used until the expiry date printed on the kit. (Fondaparinux) and Orgaran® (Sodium Danaparoïd), indirect inhibitors whose activity is mediated by plasma antithrombin (AT). Reagents are in the liquid presentation, ready R1 R2 Reagent stability after opening, free from any contamination or evaporation, to use (LRT, Liquid reagent Technology). and stored closed, is of: ▪ 6 months at 2-8°C.
    [Show full text]
  • Estonian Statistics on Medicines 2016 1/41
    Estonian Statistics on Medicines 2016 ATC code ATC group / Active substance (rout of admin.) Quantity sold Unit DDD Unit DDD/1000/ day A ALIMENTARY TRACT AND METABOLISM 167,8985 A01 STOMATOLOGICAL PREPARATIONS 0,0738 A01A STOMATOLOGICAL PREPARATIONS 0,0738 A01AB Antiinfectives and antiseptics for local oral treatment 0,0738 A01AB09 Miconazole (O) 7088 g 0,2 g 0,0738 A01AB12 Hexetidine (O) 1951200 ml A01AB81 Neomycin+ Benzocaine (dental) 30200 pieces A01AB82 Demeclocycline+ Triamcinolone (dental) 680 g A01AC Corticosteroids for local oral treatment A01AC81 Dexamethasone+ Thymol (dental) 3094 ml A01AD Other agents for local oral treatment A01AD80 Lidocaine+ Cetylpyridinium chloride (gingival) 227150 g A01AD81 Lidocaine+ Cetrimide (O) 30900 g A01AD82 Choline salicylate (O) 864720 pieces A01AD83 Lidocaine+ Chamomille extract (O) 370080 g A01AD90 Lidocaine+ Paraformaldehyde (dental) 405 g A02 DRUGS FOR ACID RELATED DISORDERS 47,1312 A02A ANTACIDS 1,0133 Combinations and complexes of aluminium, calcium and A02AD 1,0133 magnesium compounds A02AD81 Aluminium hydroxide+ Magnesium hydroxide (O) 811120 pieces 10 pieces 0,1689 A02AD81 Aluminium hydroxide+ Magnesium hydroxide (O) 3101974 ml 50 ml 0,1292 A02AD83 Calcium carbonate+ Magnesium carbonate (O) 3434232 pieces 10 pieces 0,7152 DRUGS FOR PEPTIC ULCER AND GASTRO- A02B 46,1179 OESOPHAGEAL REFLUX DISEASE (GORD) A02BA H2-receptor antagonists 2,3855 A02BA02 Ranitidine (O) 340327,5 g 0,3 g 2,3624 A02BA02 Ranitidine (P) 3318,25 g 0,3 g 0,0230 A02BC Proton pump inhibitors 43,7324 A02BC01 Omeprazole
    [Show full text]
  • Presentazione Standard Di Powerpoint
    EVALUATION OF ADHERENCE TO NEW ORAL ANTICOAGULANTS THERAPY BASED ON THERAPEUTIC SWITCHES: A DESCRIPTIVE STUDY. L. Gasperoni1, F. Ambrosini Spinella1, A.M. Resta1. 1 ASUR Marche, Territorial Pharmaceutical Service AV1, Fano, Italy Abstract number: 5PSQ-011 ATC code: B01 - Antithrombotic agents Background Regarding therapeutic adherence to new oral ITALY: the prescription of NOAC is possible from anticoagulants (NOAC), several studies [1] have shown Dabigatram July 2013 lower adherence in Dabigatran treated patients compared to Rivaroxaban and Apixaban. The NOAC Rivaroxaban October 2013 introduction has fueled the phenomenon of switch Apixaban March 2014 from vitamin K antagonists (VKA) to NOAC, and vice Edoxaban October 2016 versa, and also from NOAC to other NOAC. Purpose The aim of this descriptive study is to evaluate adherence to therapy among NOAC treated patients by basing the analysis on the therapeutic switches, ie the passages to another NOAC or VKA. Material and methods Through the informatic flow of pharmaceutical prescriptions, we extracted the NOAC prescriptions from July 2013 to June 2016 in the Area Vasta 1 of the Region. Patients who have taken Dabigatran, Rivaroxaban and Apixaban have emerged from these prescriptions (Edoxaban is excluded because it is available since October 2016). Adherent patient was that who did not switch to other anticoagulant therapy (NOAC or VKA) during the analysis period and in the following 6 months (until December 2016). Patients who had taken VKA before starting treatment with NOAC (the flow of prescriptions was investigated since January 2013) and patients who died during the analysis period or in the following 6 months were excluded from the study.
    [Show full text]