Venous thromboembolism

Use of anti-clotting drugs before, during or after surgery is not for everyone, study results show

Giving anti-clotting drugs routinely to all patients as prophylaxis against developing venous thromboembolism (VTE) after surgery may be unnecessary in as many as 75% of cases, according to research published in the Annals of Surgery.…

Increased blood clot risk in first six months of testosterone therapy

Researchers found the risk of venous thromboembolism peaks within the first six months of hormone treatment, but further research is needed to confirm the results.…

Many atrial fibrillation patients at risk of stroke treated with aspirin over anticoagulants

Around 40% of atrial fibrillation patients who have an intermediate or high risk of stroke are treated only with aspirin, even though aspirin is less effective than oral anticoagulation, according to new research.…

Reduced alteplase dose provides safer stroke treatment

A reduced dose of a drug traditionally given to stroke patients to decrease their risk of a blood clot can boost survival rates and cut the chances of a major bleed, while retaining most of the benefits of the standard dose, according to new research.…

Caplacizumab speeds up resolution of rare thrombotic disorder

Study suggests novel therapy could prevent short and long-term organ damage associated with aTTP.…

European regulator says anticoagulant is safe, despite question marks over its pivotal trial

The European Medicines Agency has reiterated the overall safety of rivaroxaban (Xarelto), an anticoagulant, despite a defect in a device used in a pivotal study behind the drug’s marketing approval in the European Union and the United States.…

Novel anti-platelet therapy shows promise in first human trials

New anti-platelet drug set for phase II study after success in patients with coronary heart disease.…

Tranexamic acid can cut the need for blood transfusions after surgery

A hospital reduced the need for red blood cell transfusions by 40% for patients undergoing a full knee or hip replacement when they routinely gave them tranexamic acid, according to new research.…

MHRA review concludes alteplase is safe for treating acute ischaemic stroke

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency has backed the continued use of the thrombolytic drug alteplase for up to 4.5 hours after the onset of symptoms of acute ischaemic stroke.…

Clinical Pharmacist’s monthly news round-up: the top 10 in the past month

What has been happening in the world of pharmacy? Here’s our pick of must-read news from the past month.…