Historically, vitamin K antagonists have been the only class of oral anticoagulants available. Despite our experience with warfarin over the past 60 years, its use is associated with several pharmacokinetic and clinical disadvantages including unpredictable dosing, frequent monitoring, and delayed onset and offset. Edoxaban, an oral direct Xa inhibitor, may provide clinicians with an additional option in patients requiring chronic anticoagulation. This review examines the pharmacology and clinical data of edoxaban as a therapeutic alternative.

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Overall, results of secondary analyses indicate that the recommended dosing strategy for each of the DOACs produces a consistent anticoagulant effect across a diverse patient population, including those at increased risk of stroke or bleeding.

Electronic health records (EHRs) are integral to contemporary pharmacy practice. The use of EHRs and EHR skill development in curricula across pharmacy education is variable. Skills-based courses in curricula are ideal areas to develop these skills and integrate EHR use and skills with the Pharmacists' Patient Care Process. Consideration should be given by each school/college of pharmacy to have an EHR curriculum embedded within skills-based courses to help students be ready for Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiences (APPEs), as well as practice. A consensus on what skills or competencies should be consistently included in schools/colleges of pharmacy should be developed across pharmacy education to increase consistency in the delivery of EHR skills education and assessment. Emphasis on EHR skills and incorporation of them in to national pharmacy education standards would help further guide development and assessment, as well as ensure new pharmacists are on the cutting edge of patient care and technology.