Management of DOAC-Associated Bleeding With Reversal Agents: A Comprehensive Approach for Health-System Pharmacists

Program Description
Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are indicated for prevention and treatment of several cardiovascular conditions and have been a leading therapy option for both clinicians and patients in thromboembolic settings. However, since the number of patients treated with DOACs is increasing, major and life-threatening DOAC-associated bleeding has also been on the rise. Agents that rapidly reverse the anticoagulant effects of the DOACs can streamline management and improve outcomes for patients presenting with serious bleeding or requiring urgent interventions or surgery. Through review of comprehensive guideline recommendations and best practice strategies, this activity will equip pharmacists with the knowledge necessary to select the most appropriate anticoagulant regime for patients to optimize outcomes and mitigate modifiable risk factors.

Target Audience: Health System Pharmacist, Retail Pharmacist, Specialty Pharmacist

Type of Activity: Application
Release date: January 31, 2024
Expiration date: January 31, 2025

Time to complete activity: 1.0 hours
Fee: Free

Educational Objectives

At the completion of this activity, participants will be able to:

• Explain the morbidity and mortality associated with direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) and the barriers associated with their use in clinical practice
• Examine the safety and efficacy of reversal agents for DOAC-related major bleeding
• Apply evidence-based guideline recommendations for DOAC reversal
• Employ best practice strategies for the reversal of DOAC-related major bleeding to optimize patient outcomes

Pharmacy Times Continuing Education^™ is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) as a provider of continuing pharmacy education. This activity is approved for 1.0 contact hour (0.10 CEU) under the ACPE universal activity number 0290-0000-24-003-H01-P. The activity is available for CE credit through January 31, 2025.

Instructions for Completing the Activity and Receiving CPE Credit

To receive CPE credit, participants must complete the pretest, view the activity in its entirety, complete the posttest, and complete the online activity evaluation. After successful completion of the online activity evaluation, you can submit your credit to CPE Monitor. You may view your credit within 48 hours at www.mycpemonitor.net. All participants must request credit before the activity expiration date. CE credit will not be issued after this date.

Disclosures

The following contributors have no relevant financial relationships with commercial interests to disclose: 

Faculty

Sean P. Kane, PharmD, BCPS

Associate Professor, Assistant Dean for Assessment

Department of Pharmacy Practice, College of Pharmacy

Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science

North Chicago, Illinois

Critical Care Pharmacist

Advocate Condell Medical Center

Libertyville, Illinois

Pharmacy Times Continuing Education^™ Planning Staff—Jim Palatine, RPh, MBA; Maryjo Dixon, RPh, MBA; Krishani Rajapaksa; Susan Pordon; Brianna Winters; Chloe Taccetta; and Rebecca Green have no relevant financial relationships with commercial interests to disclose.

An anonymous peer reviewer was used as part of content validation and conflict resolution. The peer reviewer has no relevant financial relationships with commercial interests to disclose.

Educational Disclaimer
CPE activities are offered solely for educational purposes and do not constitute any form of professional advice or referral. Discussions concerning drugs, dosages, and procedures may reflect the clinical experience of the author(s) or they may be derived from the professional literature or other sources and may suggest uses that are investigational in nature and not approved labeling or indications. Participants are encouraged to refer to primary references or full prescribing information resources.

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[email protected]
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