DOAC

Question 1

What contraindications are important to exclude before prescribing DOACs?

Answer 1

• Significant renal impairment
• Significant risk of major bleeding (inc. recent surgeries)
• Active bleeding
• Antiphospholipid syndrome

Question 2

How would you explain the MOA of DOACs to a patient?

Answer 2

• Thins the blood to treat or prevent blood clots
• Many proteins are involved in blood clot formation
• DOACs blocks one of these proteins from working

Question 3

How should DOACs be taken?

Answer 3

• Once to twice daily tablet/capsule
• Take with full glass of water whilst sitting upright
• 3 month for DVT
• 6 months for PE
• Lifelong for AF

Question 4

What monitoring is required once DOACs are prescribed?

Answer 4

• None regularly

- Check renal function before and annually

Question 5

What are the important side effects of DOACs that patients should be aware of?

Answer 5

• Bleeding - seek medical advice for significant head injury, prolonged nose bleeds, unusual headaches, blood in stool/urine/vomit, dark stools, unexplained or severe bruising
• GI disturbance
• Irreversible if serious bleed occurs (except dabigatran)