Target-specific oral anticoagulants are associated with major bleeding complications, most commonly gastrointestinal and intracranial hemorrhage, compared to vitamin K antagonists.
What are the risks of major bleeding complications with target-specific oral anticoagulants compared to vitamin K antagonists?
This review highlights the risks of major bleeding complications, particularly gastrointestinal and intracranial hemorrhage, associated with target-specific oral anticoagulants compared to warfarin.
The vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) are a widely used class of agent to prevent thromboembolism. In recent years, numerous alternatives to VKAs have been developed, the target-specific oral anticoagulants (TSOACs), which are available in clinical practice. Currently available agents target thrombin and factor Xa. The most significant side effect of these agents, as with VKAs, is the development of bleeding complications. In this review, the risks of major bleeding complications with the TSOACs will be discussed. Data from meta-analyses, randomized controlled trials, and observational studies will be used to highlight bleeding complications associated with TSOACs and warfarin. We highlight the most common causes of major bleeding, GI and intracranial hemorrhage.
Levine et al. (2014) conducted a review in Thromboembolism. Target-specific oral anticoagulants (TSOACs) vs. Vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) / warfarin was evaluated on Major bleeding complications (GI and intracranial hemorrhage). Target-specific oral anticoagulants are associated with major bleeding complications, most commonly gastrointestinal and intracranial hemorrhage, compared to vitamin K antagonists.