Publication|Articles|September 16, 2026

Pharmacy Practice in Focus: Health Systems

  • September 2026
  • Volume 15
  • Issue 5

Direct Oral Anticoagulants: Safety Profile and the Pharmacist’s Role

Fact checked by: Ron Panarotti

Pharmacists are well equipped to manage DOAC therapy by providing initial education, adherence support, and safety monitoring.

Pharmacists play a vital role in delivering high-quality cardiovascular care, particularly in managing anticoagulation therapy. Anticoagulants are prescribed for over 8 million patients across the United States to manage thromboembolisms.1 The Institute for Safe Medication Practices classifies antithrombotic agents as high-risk medications due to their serious adverse events; however, subtherapeutic dosing carries significant morbidity and mortality risk due to thromboembolic complications.2