Anticoagulants

Warfarin - Vitamin K antagonist [Coumadin, Marevan]

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Indication: VTE, Thromboembolic risk in AF, heart valves and stroke

Typical dose: 1 - 10mg OD depending on INR (range 2-3)

Max daily dose: 10mg OD

Contraindications: Alcoholism

Interactions: Cranberry juice, Vitamin K, Amiodarone, NSAIDs, St. John's Wort

Referral: Blood in urine or faeces, purple bruises

Counselling:

• Take at same time each day

• Always take same brand of tablets

• Avoid excess alcohol

• Warning bracelet

• Pregnancy: D

Apixaban - Factor Xa Inhibitor [Eliquis]

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Indication: Prevention of VTE following hip or knee replacement, AF, Systemic embolism

Typical dose: 2.5 - 5mg BD

Max daily dose: 5mg BD

Contraindications: Ritonavir, Ketoconazole, Rifampicin

Interactions: Blood thinners

Referral: Bleeding (e.g Signs of anaemia)

Counselling:

• Take at same time each day

• Warning bracelet

• Pregnancy: C

Rivaroxaban - Factor Xa Inhibitor [Xarelto]

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Indication: VTE and VTE following hip or knee replacement, AF, Systemic embolism

Typical dose: 10 - 20mg OD

Max daily dose: 20mg OD

Contraindications: Ritonavir, Ketoconazole, Rifampicin

Interactions: Blood thinners

Referral: Bleeding (e.g Signs of anaemia)

Counselling:

• Take at same time each day with food

• Warning bracelet

• Pregnancy: C