Abstract
Aim
To summarise the existing knowledge on the benefits of anticoagulants, and adverse events associated with falling whilst taking these medications, to assist clinicians in decisions on safe prescribing and deprescribing of anticoagulants.
Findings
Anticoagulants may increase the risk of intracranial haemorrhage associated with falling, but the absolute risk is relatively low compared to the risk of ischaemic stroke and venous thromboembolism. Addressing modifiable risk factors for falls and bleeding can make anticoagulant therapy safer.
Message
Clinicians often cite falls risk as a reason not to prescribe anticoagulant therapy, but this increases the patient’s risk of stroke/venous thromboembolism.
Abstract
Purpose
The aim of this clinical narrative review was to summarise the existing knowledge on the use of anticoagulants and potential adverse events in older people at risk of falls with a history of atrial fibrillation or venous thromboembolism. The review also offers practical steps prescribers can take when (de-)prescribing anticoagulants to maximise safety.
Methods
Literature searches were conducted using PubMed, Embase and Scopus. Additional articles were identified by searching reference lists.
Results
Anticoagulants are often underused in older people due to concerns about the risk of falls and intracranial haemorrhage. However, evidence suggests that the absolute risk is low and outweighed by the reduction in stroke risk. DOACs are now recommended first line for most patients due to their favourable safety profile. Off-label dose reduction of DOACs is not recommended due to reduced efficacy with limited reduction in bleeding risk. Medication review and falls prevention strategies should be implemented before prescribing anticoagulation. Deprescribing should be considered in severe frailty, limited life expectancy and increased bleeding risk (e.g., cerebral microbleeds).
Conclusion
When considering whether to (de-)prescribe anticoagulants, it is important to consider the risks associated with stopping therapy in addition to potential adverse events. Shared decision-making with the patient and their carers is crucial as patient and prescriber views often differ.
To summarise the existing knowledge on the benefits of anticoagulants, and adverse events associated with falling whilst taking these medications, to assist clinicians in decisions on safe prescribing and deprescribing of anticoagulants.
Findings
Anticoagulants may increase the risk of intracranial haemorrhage associated with falling, but the absolute risk is relatively low compared to the risk of ischaemic stroke and venous thromboembolism. Addressing modifiable risk factors for falls and bleeding can make anticoagulant therapy safer.
Message
Clinicians often cite falls risk as a reason not to prescribe anticoagulant therapy, but this increases the patient’s risk of stroke/venous thromboembolism.
Abstract
Purpose
The aim of this clinical narrative review was to summarise the existing knowledge on the use of anticoagulants and potential adverse events in older people at risk of falls with a history of atrial fibrillation or venous thromboembolism. The review also offers practical steps prescribers can take when (de-)prescribing anticoagulants to maximise safety.
Methods
Literature searches were conducted using PubMed, Embase and Scopus. Additional articles were identified by searching reference lists.
Results
Anticoagulants are often underused in older people due to concerns about the risk of falls and intracranial haemorrhage. However, evidence suggests that the absolute risk is low and outweighed by the reduction in stroke risk. DOACs are now recommended first line for most patients due to their favourable safety profile. Off-label dose reduction of DOACs is not recommended due to reduced efficacy with limited reduction in bleeding risk. Medication review and falls prevention strategies should be implemented before prescribing anticoagulation. Deprescribing should be considered in severe frailty, limited life expectancy and increased bleeding risk (e.g., cerebral microbleeds).
Conclusion
When considering whether to (de-)prescribe anticoagulants, it is important to consider the risks associated with stopping therapy in addition to potential adverse events. Shared decision-making with the patient and their carers is crucial as patient and prescriber views often differ.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 683-696 |
| Number of pages | 14 |
| Journal | European Geriatric Medicine |
| Volume | 14 |
| Early online date | 1 Jul 2023 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 1 Aug 2023 |
Bibliographical note
Publisher Copyright:© 2023, The Author(s).