The Consultant pharmacist : the journal of the American Society of Consultant Pharmacists
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Review Comparative Study
Warfarin versus dabigatran: comparing the old with the new.
Warfarin is an oral anticoagulant for treatment and prevention of venous and arterial thromboembolism. It requires regular monitoring and patient adherence to a variety of lifestyle factors that can influence its effect. Dabigatran is an oral direct thrombin-inhibitor recently approved for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation. ⋯ Clinical studies have revealed both agents to be effective, with comparable rates for major bleeding. Divergent recommendations have been offered by consensus guidelines. A patient-specific approach involving the perspectives of informed patients is most reasonable.