Jun

16

2022

How do I switch a patient from a DOAC to warfarin?

By William Aird

  • Dabigatran:
    • Overlap warfarin with dabigatran for 3 days (normal renal function); 2 days (CrCl 30 to 50 mL/min); or 1 day (CrCl 15 to 30 mL/min); note that dabigatran can contribute to INR elevation or,
    • Overlap warfarin with dabigatran until the INR is therapeutic on warfarin.
  • Apixaban:
    • If continuous anticoagulation is needed, discontinue apixaban and start a parenteral anticoagulant with warfarin; continue the parenteral agent until the INR is therapeutic on warfarin. Note that apixaban can contribute to INR elevation or,
    • Overlap warfarin with apixaban until the INR is therapeutic on warfarin, testing right before the next apixaban dose to minimize the effect of apixaban on INR elevation.
  • Rivaroxaban:
    • Discontinue rivaroxaban and start a parenteral anticoagulant with warfarin; continue the parenteral agent until the INR is therapeutic on warfarin. Note that rivaroxaban can contribute to INR elevation or,
    • Overlap warfarin with rivaroxaban until the INR is therapeutic on warfarin, testing right before the next rivaroxaban dose to minimize the effect of rivaroxaban on INR elevation.