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

Category: Blood thinners (anticoagulants)

  • Hair Loss on Warfarin

    How common is it? Hair loss is a known side effect of warfarin, but has hardly been studied [ref 1]. Solid data on how frequently it occurs, on its time-course, and on treatments are  not available. Mild hair loss appears to be common, severe hair loss uncommon, complete hair loss has not been reported.

  • Hair Loss on Warfarin

    How common is it? Hair loss is a known side effect of warfarin (Coumadin®, Jantoven®), but has hardly been studied [ref 1]. Solid data on how frequently it occurs, on its time-course, and on treatments are  not available. Mild hair loss appears to be common, severe hair loss uncommon, complete hair loss has not been…

  • Apixaban (Eliquis): Another New Oral “Blood Thinner”

    Good news. Another one of the new oral “blood thinners” in development,  Apixaban (Eliquis®), has moved forward. On May 23rd, 2011 the European Medicines Agency (EMA) approved Eliquis® for marketing in the 27 countries of the European Community for DVT prevention after orthopedic surgery (hip and knee replacement). In the U.S., Eliquis® is not yet FDA approved, and still…

  • HIT = Heparin-induced Thrombocytopenia

    What Is HIT? Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is a serious side effect that may occur when you are being treated with heparin. It may lead to low blood platelet counts and to life-threatening blood clots.

  • Dental Work on Warfarin

    A number of dental procedures can be done safely withouthaving to discontinue warfarin. A clinically helpful table is can be found here: Dental procedures and Warfarin (from ref 1).

  • INRs that Fluctuate – Solutions

    Background and summary The cause  of fluctuating INRs in patients on warfarin is often not clear.  The following causes should be considered. Solutions how to deal with fluctuating INRs are listed further below.

  • Xarelto® – Good News

    Summary Good news. A major study published in December 2010 in the  New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) shows that the new oral “blood thinner” Xarelto® (=Rivaroxaban) is (a) as safe and effective as warfarin in patients with acute DVT, and (b) is quite effective in preventing recurrent venous thromboembolism if taken longer-term, with an…

  • Xarelto® – Good News

    Summary Good news. A major study published in December 2010 in the prestigious New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) shows that the new oral “blood thinner” Xarelto® (=Rivaroxaban) is (a) as safe and effective as warfarin in patients with acute deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and (b) is quite effective in preventing recurrent blood clots (DVT…