Direct oral anticoagulants, including apixaban and rivaroxaban, are supported for the initial, primary, and secondary prevention phases of venous thromboembolism treatment.
Direct oral anticoagulants offer an effective oral-only strategy for managing venous thromboembolism across all phases of treatment.
Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a significant public health burden. Management of anticoagulation is the mainstay of treatment for the vast majority of patients. The introduction of 4 direct oral anticoagulants beginning in 2010 has significantly affected selection of anticoagulants for patients with VTE. Treatment of VTE consists of 3 phases: the initial treatment (first 5 to 21 days), primary treatment (first 3 to 6 months), and secondary prevention (after the initial 3 to 6 months). Oral-only anticoagulation strategies are now available, using apixaban or rivaroxaban therapy, beginning in the initial treatment phase. In addition, low-dose anticoagulation with either apixaban or rivaroxaban can be used in the secondary prevention phase for appropriate patients. Use of the direct oral anticoagulants is now supported for many patients with cancer-associated VTE. Appropriate selection and monitoring of anticoagulants remains a critical element of high-quality care for patients with VTE.
Renner et al. (Mon,) conducted a review in Venous thromboembolism. Direct oral anticoagulants was evaluated. Direct oral anticoagulants, including apixaban and rivaroxaban, are supported for the initial, primary, and secondary prevention phases of venous thromboembolism treatment.