Unplanned pregnancy on a direct oral anticoagulant (Rivaroxaban): A warning. (March 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Myers, B; Neal, R; Myers, O; Ruparelia, M
• Is Part Of: Obstetric medicine. Volume 9:Number 1(2016:Mar.)
• Page Start: 40
• Page End: 42
• Publication Date: 2016-03
• Subjects: Anticoagulants -- pregnancy -- direct oral anticoagulants -- heavy menstrual bleeding -- Rivaroxaban; Pregnancy -- Complications -- Periodicals; Obstetrics -- Periodicals; 618.2
• DOI: 10.1177/1753495X15621814
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1753-495X

Abstract

Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs or NOACs -non-vitamin K oral anticoagulants), as the name suggests, are oral anticoagulants with a direct inhibitory action either against factor X or factor II (thrombin). Pregnant women were excluded from participating in all the large trials of the DOACs and they are considered contra-indicated in pregnancy and breast feeding. We present a case of inadvertent exposure to rivaroxaban in a woman who presented at 25 weeks' gestation. The management of her pregnancy and delivery is described, and the previous published case reports are reviewed with a discussion about the use of DOACs in woman of childbearing age.