About this course

Before the advent of non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs), warfarin was the only choice for patients needing anticoagulation. With this new class of drugs, switching between oral anticoagulants has become an option for physicians who prefer a better efficacy/safety ratio for their patients. Choice of specific agents for anticoagulation can be affected by specific situations or indications, patient subpopulation, or individual patient factors. This e-learning module reviews the different characteristics of NOACs and other anticoagulants, reasons for switching, and the methods on how to convert from one drug to another.

Learning outcomes

• Review the indications for anticoagulants
• Review the characteristics of various anticoagulants
• Understand the approach to switching between anticoagulant regimens in the outpatient setting

Topics covered

• Introduction
• Anticoagulants: indications and basic characteristics
• Switching between anticoagulant regimens

Keywords: NOACs, VKA, warfarin, LMWH, anticoagulant