It is the size of a credit card and can easily be carried by the patient. It provides patient details and. information of their anticoagulant treatment (including: the anticoagulant prescribed, its indication, duration and contact details of their anticoagulant service or prescriber). •

Direct Oral Anticoagulants have been linked to severe bleeding, which can be potentially serious and life threatening. The Yellow Card Biobank is exploring whether some people are at a higher risk of severe bleeding due to their genetic makeup, with the overall aim of reducing the occurrence of serious side effects.

Anticoagulant therapies such as and are considered high-alert medications, due to the high potential for patient harm if used improperly.

The yellow book and alert card It's a good idea to take your yellow book with you to all your appointments. You'll also be given an anticoagulant alert card. Carry this with you all the time. It tells healthcare professionals that you're taking an anticoagulant.

Standard 2: Alert Cards All patients should carry a yellow anticoagulant alert card or a manufacturer alert card. All patients should be offered one by the pharmacist or prescriber.

You should also call 999 or attend Accident and Emergency if you are involved in a traumatic injury (such as a car crash or a fall down the stairs) or if you experience a head injury. This is because taking anticoagulation increases your risk of internal bleeding or bleeding within the brain.

All patients prescribed an oral anticoagulant require a patient safety card (also known as an alert card) which provides appropriate details of their treatment.