Target-specific oral anticoagulants: practice issues for the clinician

Venous thromboembolism and atrial fibrillation are among the most common cardiovascular disorders in the United States. For over 50 years, the standard of care has been anticoagulation with vitamin K antagonists. However, the numerous limitations of vitamin K antagonists led to the development of target-specific oral anticoagulants. Dabigatran, rivaroxaban, apixaban, and edoxaban have been shown to be as effective as warfarin in the treatment and prevention of venous thromboembolism and prevention of stroke in nonvalvular atrial fibrillation. This article compares the basic pharmacologic properties of these anticoagulants, reviews the data supporting their use, and discusses practical clinical issues including measurement of the anticoagulation effect, reversal strategies, and management of patients prior to surgery.