Clinical question of the week: Do novel oral anticoagulants (NOAC) need monitoring just like warfarin?

In the management of long term conditions, drug adherence and compliance remains an important problem. The cardiology community has responded positively to the introduction of novel oral anticoagulants (NOAC) as, in contrast to warfarin, NOAC obviates the need for regular monitoring. Is this too good to be true? A study published in JAMA this week concluded that, among nonvalvular atrial fibrillation patients treated with NOAC, there is wide variability in patient medication adherence. Moreover, there is data to suggest that lower adherence with NOAC is associated with poorer outcomes and that warfarin style monitoring may improve adherence and compliance.
Source: Doc2Doc BMJ Cardiology - Category: Cardiology Authors: Source Type: forums