Keywords

anticoagulants, anticoagulation, apixaban, atrial fibrillation, dabigatran, direct oral anticoagulants, DOACs, edoxaban, new oral anticoagulants, rivaroxaban, warfarin

Authors

1. Cole, Connie S. DNP, RN-BC, NP-C
2. Zimmerman, Richard MS, RN, CCRN, FNP-BC

Abstract

Abstract: Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) have expanded options for treating patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). However, DOACs are not warfarin substitutes, and NPs need to be aware of the difference. DOACs are first-line agents when treating AF, yet warfarin has not been replaced. Individualized patient characteristics drive current guidelines.