Decreasing Mortality Rates When Reversing DOAC-Related Bleeding: Examining Updated Recommendations, New Data, and Real-World Evidence Using Specific Reversal Agents

Free Online CE Article

This activity is supported by an educational grant from
Portola Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Faculty

Megan E. Barra, PharmD, BCPS, BCCCP
Clinical Pharmacy Specialist, Neurocritical Care
Department of Pharmacy
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, Massachusetts

Program Description
Serious bleeding can be an alarming complication associated with therapy involving direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs). In recent years, reversal agents have been developed for use in patients requiring rapid reversal of the anticoagulation effects of DOACs. It is necessary that pharmacists and clinicians are familiar with current guidelines on the management of DOAC-related bleeding and existing reversal agents. Use of an incorrect reversal agent may lead to patient harm. Pharmacists have opportunities to mitigate unnecessary drug costs and the possibility of adverse outcomes by training colleagues and implementing protocols to ensure proper dosing, preparation, and administration of reversal agents. This article guideline recommendations for DOAC reversal, real-world evidence, and strategies to ensure appropriate use of DOAC reversal agents.

Target Audience: Managed care pharmacists
Type of Activity: Application
Release date: January 27, 2021
Expiration date: March 15, 2022
Time to complete activity: 2.0 hours
Fee: Free

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

Explain current recommendations and guidelines for the reversal of major bleeding associated with the use of direct-acting oral anticoagulants (DOACs).
Examine up-to-date clinical data and real-world evidence comparing the safety benefits of specific reversal agents over prothrombin complex concentrates (PCCs) for reversing life-threatening DOAC-related bleeding
Identify the role of health-system formulary committee members, pharmacy directors, integrated delivery networks in improving clinical outcomes and decreasing mortality rates in those patients being treated for reversal of major bleeding related to the use of DOACs.

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 2.0 contact hours (0.20 CEU) under the ACPE universal activity number 0290-0000-20-402-H01-P. The activity is available for CE credit through March 15, 2022.

Instructions for Completing the Activity and Receiving CPE Credit
To receive CPE credit, participants must complete the pretest, read the article 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

Megan E. Barra, PharmD, BCPS, BCCCP, has no relevant financial relationships with commercial interests to disclose.

Pharmacy Times Continuing Education™ Planning Staff – Jim Palatine, RPh, MBA; Maryjo Dixon, RPh; Kim Simpson, PharmD; Crissy Wilson; Susan Pordon; and Brianna Winters have no relevant financial relationships with commercial interests to disclose.

An anonymous peer reviewer is 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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