New oral anticoagulants: key messages for clinicians

New oral anticoagulants are an effective and safe alternative to vitamin K antagonists in many fields of clinical practice. The use of the direct inhibitors of activated Factor II (dabigatran) and activated Factor X (apixaban and rivaroxaban), both in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) and those with acute venous thromboembolism (VTE), is of great interest for internal medicine physicians. This paper aims to give practical guidance on management (starting therapy, follow up and bleeding complications) of patients treated with dabigatran, rivaroxaban or apixaban for NVAF or acute VTE providing practical tables concerning the phases of therapy, management of complications, drug interaction and dose adjustment if renal impairment occurs.