DOI: https://doi.org/10.36347/sajp.2025.v14i02.003

Pages: 19-26

Anticoagulation therapy is used to prevent thromboembolic events in different clinical scenarios. Yet the utilization of anticoagulants can lead to adverse events (ADEs) that can affect patient outcomes. This scoping review aimed to provide an overview of ADEs associated with anticoagulation therapy by identifying commonly reported examples, types of ADEs, risk factors, and areas of clinical controversy. The study included a mix of study designs, including longitudinal and randomized controlled trials. Warfarin, direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs), and heparin were among the frequently mentioned anticoagulants. Bleeding-related events, thromboembolic complications, as well as other ADE such as over-anticoagulation and allergy were identified. Various risk factors contributing to these ADEs were recognized; they encompassed patient characteristics, comorbidities, concomitant medications and laboratory parameters. The review emphasizes individualized risk assessment through close monitoring and educating patients to minimize potential adverse drug effects (ADE). Gaps and controversies in the literature underscore the need for further research to elucidate mechanisms underlying ADEs, identify new biomarkers for risk stratification, minimizing adverse events while maximizing therapeutic benefits.