Table 21.

Patient education and safety tips to optimize DOAC use

Suggested patient action	Comment
Ask questions and express your values and preferences in regards to your anticoagulant therapy	Consider all of the possible advantages and disadvantages of DOAC therapy and choose an anticoagulation regimen that you are most likely to be adherent with
Make sure you are familiar with and understand the DOAC education provided to you by healthcare staff	If there is something you do not understand or that concerns you, let the healthcare staff know as soon as possible Have the healthcare provider give you a safety net phone number to call in case you have questions at a later time
Obtain and wear a Medic Alert bracelet or carry a wallet card stating you are on anticoagulant	This will notify medical personnel that you are on an anticoagulant in case you are unable to verbally tell them
Follow drug-specific administration and storage recommendations provided to you	e.g. take with food, store in original container, etc.
Establish a set time for taking your DOAC and communicate this to medical providers, especially in an emergency situations
Schedule follow-up phone calls with your anticoagulation provider at pre-determined times to discuss any issues or difficulties in taking or refilling your DOAC
Make sure you are familiar with both the generic and brand names of your DOAC and always check your refill for accuracy before leaving the pharmacy
Make sure your anticoagulation provider or another provider is regularly checking your kidney and liver function to make sure it is still okay for you to take a DOAC	If you develop kidney or liver problems, let your anticoagulation provider know as soon as possible
Go to or participate in all scheduled follow-up visits with your anticoagulation provider so they can ask you questions that might be important for safe and effective use of your DOAC	What medications have you stopped/started? What kidney/liver problems have you had? What side effects have you had from your DOAC? What problems have you had getting your DOAC refilled? What extra or missed doses of your DOAC have you had? What upcoming surgical or dental procedures do you have?

DOAC Direct oral anticoagulant