The Guide to the use of direct oral anticoagulants was produced by health professionals (doctors, pharmacists and nurses) working in University Centers in the Quebec City region. It is intended to be a practical and easy-to-consult reference book for all professionals (general practitioners, specialists, pharmacists and nurses) who are involved in the follow-up of patients for whom a direct oral anticoagulant (dabigatran ( Pradaxaᵐᵈ), rivaroxaban (Xareltoᵐᵈ), apixaban (Eliquisᵐᵈ) or edoxaban (Lixianaᵐᵈ)) has been prescribed. The guide provides information on the indications and criteria for reimbursement, dosages (including adjustment for renal failure), precautions and contraindications, pharmacokinetic parameters, interactions, peri and postoperative management, bleeding management, as well as patient follow-up recommendations. Useful calculators for calculating creatinine clearance as well as for the CHADS₂, CHA₂DS₂VASC and HAS-BLED risk scales have been integrated to facilitate patient management.

The user must however take into consideration that the guide was first created by and for the health professionals of the University Centers of the region of Quebec with the particularities specific to their specialized environment. The use of the guide must be adapted according to the environment and clinical judgment.

The application of the AODs User Guide is a realization of Effenti inc. (www.effenti.ca)