Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) Support Group
Deep-vein thrombosis, also known as deep-venous thrombosis or DVT, is the formation of a blood clot ("thrombus") in a deep vein. It can be caused by something preventing blood from circulating or clotting normally. Join the support group if you are coping with DVT and find others who are going through the same challenges.
has anyone heard anything about the new drug that is supposed to be coming out that is a pill form of heparin? It would replace coumadin and no blood tests would be needed (yay!)
I can't wait for that drug to come out!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
There are actually several new oral anticoagulant coming out. The first is Xarelto (Rivaroxaban) by Ortho-McNeill. This medical will probably hit the market early next year. It will be aimed at knee/hip replacement patients.
The next medication is Dabigatran by Boehringer-Ingelheim. It is a little further behind in testing (here in the U.S.) then Rivaroxaban. When marketed (probably 2 years from now) it will be aimed at Atril Fib patients.
The third is Apixaban. It is still undergoing testing and will probably be 3 years down the line.
All three medication will be used as an alternative to Coumadin. There are increased risks associated with each (increased bleeding risks, no way to reverse the effect in case of emergency. Also increased liver enzymes are a worry. Not sure how any of them will do long term until data from Europe comes in. I would suspect for long-term coumadin users it wll be years before it becomes a viable option for us. Of course, when any of these meds are approved, it's a matter of time before they be used outside of their current approval (knee/hip, Atril Fib, etc.).