Oral anticoagulation with vitamin K antagonists or non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) is the standard of care for reducing thromboembolic risk in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Warfarin is effective but has limitations including a narrow therapeutic window requiring frequent monitoring and dose adjustments. NOACs have advantages over warfarin such as rapid onset, fewer drug interactions and no requirement for routine monitoring. Apixaban and edoxaban have been shown to have the lowest risk of gastrointestinal bleeding compared to other NOACs based on data from pivotal clinical trials. Dosing of NOACs requires adjustment based on renal function and bleeding risk.