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: Therapy

Aspirin – Does it Prevent DVT and PE?

To some degree it does, but it is by far not as effective as warfarin or other anticoagulants. However, a very noteworthy study was presented today

December 12, 2011
Another New Blood Thinner FDA Approved : Xarelto (Rivaroxaban)

Today the FDA approved Xarelto (Rivaroxaban) for irregular heart beat (= atrial fibrillation = a. fib). The approved dose is 20 mg once daily. The link to the FDA press release is here. The Xarelto prescribing information can be found here. Xarelto for Blood Clots in the Veins (DVT and PE)

November 4, 2011
Xarelto (Rivaroxaban) Approved For A. Fib

Today the FDA approved Xarelto (Rivaroxaban) for atrial fibrillation. The approved dose is 20 mg once daily. The link to the FDA press release is here. The Xarelto prescribing information can be found here. Xarelto for Venous Thromboembolism Xarelto is NOT approved at this point for treatment of DVT or PE

November 4, 2011
Alcohol and Warfarin or Pradaxa

A patient may ask: “I am on warfarin. Is it o.k. for me to drink alcohol? Does alcohol intake increase the INR?” Does drinking alcohol change the INR in the patient on warfarin?

October 26, 2011
Alcohol and Blood Thinners (Warfarin, Pradaxa)

A patient may ask: “I am on warfarin (Coumadin®, Jantoven®). Is it o.k. for me to drink alcohol? Does alcohol intake increase the INR?” Does drinking alcohol change the INR in the patient on warfarin?

October 26, 2011
Plant Estrogens (Phytoestrogens)

Phytoestrogens (plant estrogen preparations) are sometimes used in the attempt to improve perimenopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness or mood swings. They are plant-derived estrogens, chemically similar (even though distincly different) to human and animal estrogens

October 18, 2011
Blood or Organ Donation: Being on Blood Thinners or Having a Thrombophilia

“I am on warfarin (Coumadin®). Can I donate blood?” No. A person on a blood thinner (anticoagulant), like warfarin, will not be accepted as a blood donor

October 12, 2011
Arixtra (Fondaparinux), Generic

“Is the generic version of Arixtra as safe and effective as brand Arixtra?” Answer: “Yes”. The FDA evaluated and approved generic fondaparinux made by Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories Ltd. on July 11, 2011

September 23, 2011