New oral anticoagulants (NOACs) are an alternative to vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) in the prevention of stroke in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (AF). The European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA) has produced a practical guide to detail the use of NOACs in clinical practice. The guide includes a practical start-up and follow-up scheme, emphasising the importance of strict adherence to the regimen – the anticoagulant effect drops rapidly after 12–24 hours. There is also guidance on how to measure the anticoagulant effect of NOACs, switching between anticoagulant regimes and dealing with dosing errors. Physicians will have to consider the pharmacokinetic effect of drugs and co-morbidities when prescribing NOACs – plasma levels of NOACs may be affected by P-glycoprotein (P-gp) substrates, as well as cytochrome P450 (CYP3A4) inducers or inhibitors. In patients with chronic kidney disease, reduced doses of NOACs may be indicated. Guidance is also given on the management of bleeding complications, and the cessation and reinitiation of NOACs in patients undergoing surgical interventions. Finally, the use of NOACs in specific clinical situations is considered; these include patients with AF and coronary artery disease (CAD), patients presenting with acute stroke while taking NOACs and patients with cancer.
European Heart Rhythm Association practical guide on the use of new oral anticoagulants in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation. Summary of the document prepared by the Czech Society of Cardiology