Warfarin vs. NOAC
Are you curious about these new blood thinners you’re seeing all over television and print ads? There is a great article on the American Heart Association website that details each type of medication, but here is a summary:
- Warfarin: A decades old blood thinner that decreases production of several clotting factors that rely on vitamin K.
- Slow acting and often requires the use of injectable medications until blood levels get to therapeutic range.
- Dose varies, dependent on many factors.
- Multiple good and drug interactions.
- Frequent laboratory testing to maintain blood levels.
- Long lasting effect with available reversible agent.
- Low cost.
- NOAC (Novel Oral Anticoagulant): A newer group of medications that target individual clotting proteins.
- Fast acting medication.
- Fixed dosing.
- Few food and drug interactions.
- No laboratory testing.
- Short duration of medication in system, so taking medication consistently is crucial.
- Higher cost than Warfarin.
| Features of Warfarin Versus NOACs | ||
| Warfarin | NOACs | |
| Onset of action | Slow | Rapid |
| Dosing | Variable | Fixed |
| Food interactions | Yes | No |
| Drug interactions | Many | Few |
| Routine laboratory monitoring | Yes | No |
| Duration of blood-thinning effect | Long | Short |
| Reversal agent available | Yes | No |
| Cost | $ | $$$ |