Prescription and switching patterns of direct oral anticoagulants in patients with atrial fibrillation

The patterns of direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) selection and switching to a different oral anticoagulant (OAC) in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) are unknown. To describe temporal patterns in first DOAC prescriptions, estimate the incidence, and identify predictors of switching to a different OAC within 1 year in OAC-naive AF patients. In this retrospective cohort study, using a near-nationwide prescription registry (IQVIA, the Netherlands), we determined the number of patients per month initiated on each DOAC and identified predictors of switching within 1 year with robust Poisson regression. We included 94,874 patients. From November 2015 to November 2019, the monthly use of apixaban (n = 366 to n = 1066, +191%), rivaroxaban (n = 379 to n = 868, +129%), and edoxaban (n = 2 to n = 305, +15,150%) increased, whereas that of dabigatran decreased (n = 317 to n = 179, −44%). In the 66,090 patients with ≥1 year of available calendar time, 7% switched to a different OAC within 1 year. Strong predictors of switching to a different DOAC were using dabigatran (adjusted risk ratio [aRR], 3.33; 95% CI, 3.02-3.66) or edoxaban (aRR, 1.56; 95% CI, 1.34-1.82) rather than apixaban and using a standard DOAC dose (aRR, 2.54; 95% CI, 2.23-2.88). Strong predictors of switching to a vitamin K antagonist were using rivaroxaban (aRR, 1.36; 95% CI, 1.19-1.54 vs apixaban) and using a standard DOAC dose (aRR, 1.49; 95% CI, 1.26-1.77). In the Netherlands, factor Xa inhibitors are increasingly being selected for OAC-naive AF patients. Seven percent of patients switch to a different OAC within 1 year, and the initial DOAC type and dose are strong predictors of switching. [Display omitted] •Prescription and switching patterns of oral anticoagulants for atrial fibrillation are unknown.•We performed a retrospective cohort study using a near-nationwide pharmacy database.•The use of the factor Xa inhibitors is increasing steadily.•Direct oral anticoagulant type and dose predict switching to another oral anticoagulant.