Oral anticoagulants

Atrial fibrillation (AF) significantly increases the risk of stroke, yet many at-risk individuals remain undertreated. The net benefit of stroke prevention with oral anticoagulants almost always outweighs the risks of bleeding, however, they are often underutilised in practice.

Pharmacists have an essential role to ensure safe and appropriate use of oral anticoagulants in stroke prevention.

Working with consumers and medical experts, the Quality Use of Medicines Alliance have developed evidence-based education and resources to help improve the safe and effective use of oral anticoagulants for lowering AF-related stroke risk.

Click on the links below for available education offerings and resources to optimise the use of anticoagulants for stroke prevention in AF.

Presented by Debbie Rigby and Deborah Hawthorne, watch the Live Webinar on the 21^st of May 2025 or after this date, watch the Recorded Webinar to learn more on the appropriate use of oral anticoagulants for stroke prevention.

Stoke preventers, not blood thinners! A Quick Reference Guide on how pharmacists can best support patients with atrial fibrillation who require anticoagulants for stroke prevention.

Other clinical tools and resources:

This care plan is a health professional mediated shared decision-making resource for consumers to manage their atrial fibrillation and stroke risk.

Evidence-based guide for providing safe and effective stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation through quality use of oral anticoagulants.