NOACs; Friend or Foe?

New oral anticoagulants (NOAC’s) are becoming more popular as antithrombotic agents for the prevention of venous thromboembolism in atrial fibrillation and as prophylaxis in hip and knee surgery. With simple administration, rapid onset, few drug interactions and the absence of coagulation monitoring, NOAC’s appear as a friend in the prevention of thromboembolic events. Undoubtedly patients would prefer treatment with a simple pill over injections and intensive monitoring implied that the treatment is efficient and without adverse effects.