New anticoagulant as effective as standard treatment

Reported by Susan Aldridge, PhD, medical journalist

The oral anticoagulant ximelagatran is as effective as enoxaparin and heparin though there are some concerning side effects.
Treatment of deep vein thrombosis usually involves drugs such as heparin and warfarin. These are tricky to administer and may be associated with unwanted bleeding. Recently, a new drug called ximelagatran, has been developed which can be taken by mouth. A study from doctors in Paris now compares it with treatment with enoxaparin (related to heparin) followed by warfarin.

The study involved 2,500 patients taking either ximelagatran or enoxaparin/warfarin. The regimes proved equally effective and there was little difference in the risk of bleeding between the two groups. However, ximelagatran was linked with some liver problems and also a higher risk of heart problems. These side effects now need some further investigation.

Source
Journal of the American Medical Association 9th February 2005 Volume 293 pages 681-689