Selection of agent for initial phase — Options include subcutaneous low molecular weight (LMW) heparin, subcutaneous fondaparinux, the oral factor Xa inhibitors rivaroxaban or apixaban, or unfractionated heparin (UFH). A decision between these agents is usually made based upon clinician experience as well as the risks of bleeding, patient comorbidities, preferences, cost, and convenience.
Warfarin cannot be administered alone as an initial anticoagulant for DVT because of the delay in depletion of the vitamin K-dependent coagulation factors Selection of agent for maintainance phase — Options for long-term anticoagulation are either oral or subcutaneous. Oral anticoagulants include direct factor Xa inhibitors (rivaroxaban, apixaban, or edoxaban), thrombin inhibitors (dabigatran), and vitamin K antagonists (warfarin); subcutaneous anticoagulants include LMW heparin, and fondaparinux.…
