DOAC counselling

Question 1

Check for contraindications

Answer 1

• Significant renal impairment
• Significant risk of major bleeding
• Active bleeding

Question 2

How the treatment works

Answer 2

• Thins the blood to prevent blood clots
• Many proteins are involved in blood clot formation - this medication blocks one of these proteins from working

Question 3

Treatment course and how it’s taken

Answer 3

• Once or twice daily tablet/capsule
• Take with full glass of water whilst sitting upright
• Usually prescribed for 3 months for a DVT, 6 months for a PE and lifelong for AF

Question 4

Monitoring required

Answer 4

• None regularly
• Check renal function before and annually

Question 5

Side effects

Answer 5

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