A Clearinghouse for Information about Blood Clots (DVT/)PE) and Clotting Disorders (thrombophilia) provided as a public service by the University of North Carolina Blood Research Center

Author: Clot Connect

  • Prescription affordability: Assistance Options for Anticoagulants

    Beth Waldron writes (Last updated May 7, 2020) There is help available for many people who can’t afford their anticoagulant (blood thinning) medication. Many pharmaceutical companies provide free or discounted medicines through prescription assistance programs, also called PAPs. Each program is administered by the pharmaceutical company and has its own qualifying criteria. We are unaware…

  • Coumadin®: Discontinuation of Sale

    Dr. Stephan Moll and Beth Waldron write (last updated April 28, 2020): The company making Coumadin® (warfarin sodium) tablets, Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMS), announced that it will discontinue the sale and distribution of Coumadin® (see the FDA filing here). A memo on the BMS website says: “all strengths of Coumadin® (warfarin sodium) tablets will be discontinued…

  • Coronavirus for patients: Plan your blood thinner medication refills

    Beth Waldron, MA writes….For patients on life-saving therapies like blood thinners (anticoagulants) having several weeks supply of medication on hand during the coronavirus outbreak is important not only to reduce the need to be out in public, but to ensure you have everything you need already at home if you do get sick. However, getting…

  • New Oral Anticoagulant FDA Approved – Bevyxxa (Betrixaban)

    Stephan Moll, MD writes… On June 23, 2017, the FDA approved a 5th new oral anticoagulant for clinical use, Bevyxxa® (= Betrixaban). It is approved to prevent DVT and PE in patients who are significantly immobile during and after hospitalization for an acute medical illness. Full prescribing information: here.  FDA details: here. In the APEX study…

  • Antiphospholipid Syndrome: Can the New Oral Anticoagulants Be Used?

    Stephan Moll, MD and Damon Houghton, MD write … In patients with antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) who require anticoagulation for the treatment of DVT or PE, warfarin or a low molecular weight heparin have traditionally been used. A question that comes up is whether one of the new oral anticoagulants (DOACs) can be effectively and safely…

  • Acute DVT/ PE and Airline Travel

    Stephan Moll, MD writes… Can the patient with acute DVT or PE safely fly, or should he/she wait for a few weeks before embarking on airline travel?  It appears safe to fly early: There is no evidence that flying early after the diagnosis of VTE leads to an increased risk of recurrent VTE or embolization…

  • Athletes and Blood Clots

    Stephan Moll, MD writes: Athletes with DVT or PE and on anticoagulation face significant challenges returning to full athletic activities. A recent publication of the American College of Cardiology discusses individualized management regimens that may return athletes to return to their sport – http://www.bit.ly/2erRLc0.   Last updated: Oct 30th, 2016

  • NO FDA Approval Yet for Andexanet

    Stephan Moll, MD writes… The FDA did NOT approve Andexanet (brand names: AndexXa™ in the US, IndexXa™ in Europe) in a decision on August 18th, 2016.  Andexanet is the antidote in clinical development to reverse the anticoagulant effect of Eliquis® (rivaroxaban), Savaysa® (edoxaban), Xarelto® (rivaroxaban) and Lovenox® (enoxaparin).  The FDA is said to have requested more information from…