Clot prevention with a mechanical heart valve
Ask the doctor
That's the situation with novel oral anticoagulants (NOACs). They are approved for preventing blood clots in people with specific conditions, including atrial fibrillation, deep-vein thrombosis, and pulmonary embolism. For these people, the drugs — which include apixaban (Eliquis), dabigatran (Pradaxa), edoxaban (Savaysa), and rivaroxaban (Xarelto) — prevent clots at least as well as warfarin. But NOACs have far fewer interactions with drugs and foods; they don't require blood tests or frequent dose adjustments; and they cause half as much brain bleeding as warfarin.
To continue reading this article, you must log in.
Subscribe to Harvard Health Online for immediate access to health news and information from Harvard Medical School.
- Research health conditions
- Check your symptoms
- Prepare for a doctor's visit or test
- Find the best treatments and procedures for you
- Explore options for better nutrition and exercise
I'd like to receive access to Harvard Health Online for only $4.99 a month.
Sign Me UpAlready a member? Login ».
Disclaimer:
As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles.
No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.
