New oral anticoagulants: a practical guide on prescription, laboratory testing and peri‐procedural/bleeding management

<jats:title>Abstract</jats:title><jats:p>New oral anticoagulants (<jats:styled-content style="fixed-case">NOAC</jats:styled-content>) are becoming available as alternatives to warfarin to prevent systemic embolism in patients with non‐valvular atrial fibrillation and for the treatment and prevention of venous thromboembolism. An in‐depth understanding of their pharmacology is invaluable for appropriate prescription and optimal management of patients receiving these drugs should unexpected complications (such as bleeding) occur, or the patient requires urgent surgery. The Australasian <jats:styled-content style="fixed-case">S</jats:styled-content>ociety of <jats:styled-content style="fixed-case">T</jats:styled-content>hrombosis and <jats:styled-content style="fixed-case">H</jats:styled-content>aemostasis has set out to inform physicians on the use of the different <jats:styled-content style="fixed-case">NOAC</jats:styled-content> based on current available evidence focusing on: (i) selection of the most suitable patient groups to receive <jats:styled-content style="fixed-case">NOAC</jats:styled-content>, (ii) laboratory measurements of <jats:styled-content style="fixed-case">NOAC</jats:styled-content> in appropriate circumstances and (iii) management of patients taking <jats:styled-content style="fixed-case">NOAC</jats:styled-content> in the perioperative period, and strategies to manage bleeding complications or ‘reverse’ the anticoagulant effects for urgent invasive procedures.</jats:p>