December 8, 2009

New Blood Thinner Could Replace Warfarin to Fight Venous Clots

By Kelley Luckstein

A new blood thinner called dabigatran etexilate may be just as effective in preventing dangerous venous clots as an old standby,warfarin warfarin, but much easier for doctors and patients to manage, a new study finds…

 

"Dabigatran appears to be superior to warfarin in terms of safety and more effective as well. This is the first alternative to warfarin that could signal a changing of the guard," Dr. Bernard Gersh, a professor of medicine at the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine in Rochester, Minn, said during the heart association conference. "I think there are still questions that need to be answered, but it's fair to say that warfarin has been around for many, many years and everybody hates warfarin. Patients hate warfarin. Doctors hate warfarin. It's not the most convenient drug, but it's effective and it is cheap."

 

HealthDay by Amanda Gardner, 12/7/09

Tags: blood thinners, Cardiology, venous clots, warfarin

Please sign in or register to post a reply.
Contact Us · Privacy Policy