Application of New Oral Anticoagulants: Prevention of Stroke in Patients with Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation / 대한내과학회지

ABSTRACT

Only anticoagulation has been shown to reduce atrial fibrillation-related deaths. Vitamin K antagonists are difficult to use due to their narrow therapeutic range, unpredictable response, requirement for frequent coagulation monitoring, frequent dose adjustment, slow onset-offset, and numerous drug-drug and drug-food interactions. New oral anticoagulants (NOACs), such as dabigatran, rivaroxaban, and apixaban have been developed and are available in Korea, and edoxaban was shown to be effective and safe, also. NOACs showed better pharmacodynamics with predictable serum concentrations and effects, and no requirement for coagulation monitoring. These drugs have been shown to be more effective and safer than warfarin for prevention of stroke and systemic thromboembolism in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation. Broad, appropriate, and aggressive use of NOACs would improve the results of treatment in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation in Korea.