The role of triple antithrombotic therapy in patients with atrial fibrillation and coronary stent insertion.

Triple antithrombotic therapy or 'triple therapy' describes the combination of 3 oral antithrombotic medications - an anticoagulant drug (warfarin, apixaban, rivaroxaban or dabigatran) and 2 antiplatelet drugs (usually aspirin plus clopidogrel). Most commonly, triple therapy is indicated for patients who require dual antiplatelet therapy following coronary stent insertion for acute coronary syndrome and long-term anticoagulation for atrial fibrillation. Current evidence supports shorter durations of triple therapy to mitigate bleeding risks without compromising ischaemic protection.