Der Internist
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In the past few years, the clinical field of anticoagulation has undergone dramatic changes due to the introduction of the new class of direct oral anticoagulants. All these agents share common features such as stable oral bioavailability, short half-life compared to vitamin K antagonists, paucity of drug-drug interactions, and fixed dosing without laboratory monitoring. ⋯ Each of the four topics will be complemented by a compilation and in-depth discussion of open questions and lessons still to learn. The well-documented benefits of the direct oral anticoagulants as documented in clinical trials will translate to routine clinical practice only if all the rules regarding dosing and indications are obeyed, and if the experience with these agents is captured and communicated in a controlled manner.