–Observational study compares new anticoagulants to warfarin in VTE population. In clinical trials the new oral anticoagulants (NOACs) have been shown to have similar efficacy and safety compared to warfarin, but questions have been raised about whether the results are similar in real world settings. Now a new observational study lends some measure of reassurance…
New Anticoagulant May Cut VTE In Medically Ill
May 27, 2016 by Leave a Comment
–Generally positive results for Portola’s betrixaban, despite missed key endpoint Betrixaban may yet become the first new oral anticoagulant to gain approval for extended venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis in the important and underserved group of medically-ill patients, even though its pivotal trial was damaged by a self-inflicted statistical wound. There were consistent differences in favor of…
Economic Study Finds VTE Prophylaxis with Low-Molecular-Weight Heparin Cost Effective
November 3, 2014 by Leave a Comment
Critically ill patients in the hospital are at high risk for developing venous thromboembolism (VTE). The 2011 PROTECT trial compared the two most common drug strategies used to prevent VTE — unfractionated heparin (UFH) and dalteparin, a low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) — and found no difference between the two groups in the primary endpoint of the trial, leg deep-vein thrombosis….
FDA Grants New Indication For Apixaban
August 21, 2014 by Leave a Comment
The FDA today approved an expanded indication for the oral anticoagulant apixaban (Eliquis, Bristol-Myers Squibb and Pfizer). Apixaban will now be indicated for the treatment of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), and for the reduction in the risk of recurrent DVT and PE (collectively known as venous thromboembolism) after initial therapy. … Click here to…
New Trial Confirms Role For Pradaxa In Venous Thromboembolism
December 18, 2013 by Leave a Comment
A new study helps support a role for the new oral anticoagulant dabigatran (Pradaxa, Boehringer Ingelheim) in patients with venous thrombosis (VTE). The RE-COVER II trial, published online in Circulation, confirms the finding of the earlier and highly similar RE-COVER trial, published in the New England Journal of Medicine in 2009, that dabigatran is as safe and effective as warfarin for…
Positive Results for New Anticoagulant From Daiichi Sankyo
September 1, 2013 by Leave a Comment
A new entrant in the growing oral anticoagulant field shows promise for the treatment of venous thromboembolism (VTE) and pulmonary embolism (PE). The drug, edoxaban, is a new, once-daily Factor Xa inhibitor with a rapid onset of action that is under development by Daiichi Sankyo. Results of the Hokusai-VTE trial were presented at the European Society of…
Vena Cava Filters: Little Evidence And Wide Variation In Use
March 18, 2013 by Leave a Comment
Despite the absence of any evidence demonstrating benefit or showing how best to use them, vena cava filters (VCF) are used in most hospitals. Now a new study published in JAMA Internal Medicine suggests that this same lack of evidence results in an extremely broad rate of use in different hospitals. An accompanying viewpoint raises the question: “how could a…
New Studies Examine Prolonged Anticoagulation For VTE Recurrence
February 20, 2013 by Leave a Comment
Three studies published in the New England Journal of Medicine provide important new information about the risks and benefits of extended prophylaxis using two of the new oral anticoagulants in patients who have had venous thromboembolism (VTE). … In an accompanying editorial, Jean Connors writes that “deciding how to balance the risks and benefits of extended anticoagulation is…
Rivaroxaban Effective In Medically Ill Patients But At High Bleeding Cost
February 7, 2013 by Leave a Comment
The recent arrival of novel oral anticoagulants has provided important new options for venous thromboembolism (VTE) treatment and prevention. New indications for these drugs have been granted for patients with atrial fibrillation and following orthopedic surgery. But an additional indication, for acutely ill medical patients at risk for VTE, does not appear likely in the…
ASPIRE: Aspirin An Attractive Alternative After First VTE
November 4, 2012 by Leave a Comment
It is unclear what the best approach is for the long-term treatment of people who have had a first unprovoked episode of venous thromboembolism (VTE). Although warfarin is effective at preventing a recurrence, it is inconvenient and raises the risk for bleeding. Newer anticoagulants have not been tested or approved for this population. The ASPIRE…
Aspirin Found To Prevent Recurrent Venous Thromboembolism
May 24, 2012 by 1 Comment
Aspirin can help prevent the recurrence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) after discontinuation of anticoagulation therapy, according to results of the WARFASA (the Warfarin and Aspirin) study published in the New England Journal of Medicine. Following 6 to 18 months of oral anticoagulation, 403 patients with first-time unprovoked VTE were randomized to aspirin (100 mg daily) or placebo…
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