Direct Oral Anticoagulants (DOACs): Challenges and Decisions
Monograph
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Course Summary
Thrombotic disorders place a heavy burden on patients and the healthcare system. Reducing morbidity and mortality due to thromboembolic events is critical. Anticoagulants are essential in the management of patients presenting with complex coagulation disorders. Clinicians can improve health outcomes for patients by knowing the indications and dosing for various direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) agents, and the contraindications or potential side effects of this class of medications. Pharmacists are in a particularly ideal position to discuss DOAC treatment options for patients with the healthcare team.
Course Objectives
Identify the indications and dosing for various direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) agents
Identify the contraindications and potential side effects within the DOAC class
Apply this information to answer patient or prescriber questions
I. Introduction
II. Evolution of Anticoagulants
III. Direct Oral Anticoagulants
1. Direct Thrombin Inhibition
2. Factor Xa Inhibition
IV. Discussion
1. Indication Similarities
2. DOAC Monitoring Challenges and Special Populations
3. Drug Interactions
4. Future Research
V. Clinical Pearls for Patient and Prescriber Discussions
VI. Summary
- Read the course objectives and faculty planner disclosure
- Read the course material
- Complete the post-test with a minimum score of 70% and complete the course evaluation form.
- Results are automatically submitted to CPE Monitor
Faculty Planner Disclosure
The following individuals were involved in the development of this activity: Pamela Sardo, Pharm.D., B.S., and Susan DePasquale, MSN, PMHNP-BC. Pamela Sardo, Pharm.D., B.S., was an employee of Rhythm Pharmaceuticals until March 2022 and has no conflicts of interest or relationships regarding the subject matter discussed. There are no financial relationships relevant to this activity to report or disclose by any of the individuals involved in the development of this activity.
Unlabeled Use Disclosures
The information provided in this course is general in nature and it is solely designed to provide participants with continuing education credit(s). This course and materials are not meant to substitute for the independent, professional judgment of any participant regarding that participant’s professional practice, including but not limited to patient assessment, diagnosis, treatment and/or health management. Medical and pharmacy practices, rules, and laws vary from state to state, and this course does not cover the laws of each state; therefore, participants must consult the laws of their state as they relate to their professional practice. Healthcare professionals, including pharmacists and pharmacy technicians, must consult with their employer, healthcare facility, hospital, or other organization, for guidelines, protocols, and procedures they are to follow. The information provided in this course does not replace those guidelines, protocols, and procedures but is for academic purposes only, and this course’s limited purpose is for the completion of continuing education credits. Participants are advised and acknowledge that information related to medications, their administration, dosing, contraindications, adverse reactions, interactions, warnings, precautions, or accepted uses are constantly changing, and any person taking this course understands that such person must make an independent review of medication information prior to any patient assessment, diagnosis, treatment and/or health management. Any discussion of off-label use of any medication, device, or procedure is informational only and such uses are not endorsed hereby. Nothing contained in this course represents the opinions, views, judgments, or conclusions of RxCe.com LLC. RxCe.com LLC is not liable or responsible to any person for any inaccuracy, error, or omission with respect to this course, or course material.
Computer Hardware/Software Requirements
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- Target Audience: Pharmacist
- Contact Hours: 1.0 (0.1 CEUs)
- Activity Release Date: 10/18/2022
- Activity Expiration Date: 10/18/2025
- Activity Type: Knowledge
- UAN: 0669-0000-22-047-H01-P
- Topic: Disease State Management/Drug Therapy
- CeBroker Number: 20-956172
Author:
RxCe.com, LLC is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education as a provider of continuing pharmacy education.