Update on the use of direct oral anticoagulants for the prevention and treatment of thromboembolism

Following publication of our review article 4 years ago, there has been an uptake in the use of nonvitamin K oral antagonists, also known as direct oral anticoagulants. The most recent Xa inhibitors to receive approval are edoxaban, which has been approved for use in both atrial fibrillation and venous thromboembolism prevention and betrixaban, which has been approved in the USA for extended thromboprophylaxis in the medically ill population. Additional analyses of certain types of atrial fibrillation patients have now become available. Ongoing prescriber vigilance is recommended as additional information continues to emerge with this class of medications. The purpose of this paper is to provide an update on the use of the direct oral anticoagulant agents for the prevention and treatment of thromboembolism.