Direct new oral anticoagulants in the emergency department: Experience in everyday clinical practice at a Swiss university hospital

Since 2009, an increasing number of patients presenting to emergency departments (ED) are on anticoagulant medication with the newer direct oral anticoagulants (NOAC), such as rivaroxaban (Xarelto), apixaban (Eliquis), and dabigatran (Pradaxa). Important advantages of these agents are easier therapy management, faster onset of therapeutic effect, and an increasing range of approved indications in comparison to the classic Vitamin-K antagonists (VKA) such as warfarin and phenprocoumon (Marcoumar).