Starting anticoagulation therapy can be a scary and daunting task for any patient. Even more so, for the patient who is naive about medications and the consequences if not taken correctly. Having a thorough understanding of both new and old therapies is critical. There are numerous circumstances that justify anticoagulant therapy. This study focuses on the use of anticoagulants to prevent stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation, more specifically, the use of Warfarin versus Pradaxa. According to Coppens, Hart, and Eikelboom (2013), the stroke-related incidence in patients with atrial fibrillation increases dramatically with age. Furthermore, post-stroke morbidity and mortality rates are significantly higher in patients with atrial fibrillation than in those without (Coppens et al., 2013). This confirms the ever-growing need for reliable blood thinners. Both medications discussed are used to treat and/or prevent blood clots; however there are major differences between them. The most notable differences are the requirements for routine laboratory work, the availability of antagonistic agents or antidotes, and factors that contribute to patient compliance, such as the cost of medications. While anticoagulants play a crucial therapeutic role, the convenience of incorporating a regimen into your lifestyle is equally important. For many years warfarin was the anticoagulant of choice. Its reliability supersedes newer alternatives. One of the major drawbacks, from the patient's perspective, of taking warfarin is the need for routine laboratory tests. Determining the appropriate patient dosage is directly influenced by the international normalized ratio (INR). Although inconvenient, frequent visits to the...... middle of paper...... (Grave, 2012. p32). Whether it's the cost of the medication or the cost of physically traveling to routine appointments, there are barriers for everyone involved. Until the gap in health disparities is closed, this will continue to be an obstacle for many. In conclusion, there are clearly pros and cons to both drugs. Each patient is unique and requires a personalized treatment plan. A drug could certainly prove to be the best option in the appropriate situation. Before choosing either therapy, you should carefully evaluate the patient's health, support system, and goals. Following doctors' orders, being informed about anticoagulants, contraindications and adverse effects is the key to greater success. Overall, taking pradaxa and warfarin carries serious risks, but they save lives and that's the most important thing.