Starting anticoagulant 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 they are not taken correctly. It is imperative to have a complete understanding of new and old therapies. Many circumstances warrant anticoagulant treatment. This study focuses on the use of anticoagulants to prevent stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation, specifically, the use of warfarin versus Pradaxa. According to Coppens, Hart, and Eikelboom (2013), stroke-related incidences in patients with atrial fibrillation increase significantly with age. Additionally, morbidity and mortality rates after stroke are significantly higher in patients with atrial fibrillation than in those without (Coppens et al., 2013). This confirms the ever-increasing need for reliable anticoagulants. Both medicines mentioned are used to treat and/or prevent the formation of blood clots; however, there are big differences between them. The most notable differences concern requirements for routine laboratory work, availability of reversal agents or antidotes, and factors that contribute to patient compliance, such as medication cost. Although blood thinners play a crucial therapeutic role, the convenience of incorporating a diet into one's lifestyle is equally important. For many years, warfarin has been the anticoagulant of choice. Its reliability surpasses the most recent alternatives. From the patient's perspective, the major disadvantage of taking warfarin is the need to perform routine laboratory work. Determining the appropriate dosage for the patient is directly influenced by their international normalized ratio (INR). Although impractical, frequent visits to the middle of paper ...... (Grave, 2012. p32). Whether it's the cost of medications or the cost of physically traveling to routine appointments, there are barriers for everyone involved. Until the gap in health care disparities is closed, it will continue to be a barrier for many. In conclusion, there are clearly pros and cons to both medications. Each patient is unique and requires a personalized care plan. A medication could surely prove to be the best option in the appropriate situation. Careful consideration of the patient's health, support system, and goals should be carefully evaluated before choosing either therapy. Following doctors' prescriptions, being informed about anticoagulants, their contraindications and their side effects is the key to greater success. Overall, there are serious risks to taking pradaxa and warfarin, but they save lives and that's what's most important..