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DTB 2009;47:116-120 doi:10.1136/dtb.2009.09.0041
  • Articles

Anticoagulation with ▼dabigatran or▼rivaroxaban

  • Relevant BNF section: 2.8.2

Abstract

Anticoagulants such as low molecular weight heparins (LMWH; e.g. enoxaparin) and ▼fondaparinux are cost-effective measures for reducing the likelihood of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in patients undergoing surgery.1 ▼Dabigatran etexilate (Pradaxa-Boehringer Ingelheim)2 and ▼rivaroxaban (Xarelto – Bayer) are fixed-dose oral anticoagulants licensed in the European Union (EU) for the prevention of VTE in adults who have undergone or are undergoing elective replacement of the hip or knee joints.2,3 Here, we consider their place for these indications.

Footnotes

  • * For an explanation of non-inferiority trials, see DTB 2008; 46: 55–6.