Comparison of an Oral Factor Xa Inhibitor With Low Molecular Weight Heparin in Patients With Cancer With Venous Thromboembolism: Results of a Randomized Trial (SELECT-D)

Journal of Clinical Oncology

RCT (n=203) found that rivaroxaban was associated with relatively low venous thromboembolism VTE recurrence vs dalteparin (6 month recurrence rate 11% vs 4%; HR 0.43; 95% CI, 0.19 to 0.99). Corresponding 6 months rates of clinically relevant non-major bleeding were 4% vs 13%.

Appropriateness of oral anticoagulant therapy prescription and its associated factors in hospitalized older people with atrial fibrillation

British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology

Of 328 Italian patients, 143 were inappropriately prescribed with oral anticoagulants (OACs), 88 of which were under prescribed or prescribed with an inappropriate drug. Among 55 of 221 patients prescribed OACs, dosing errors were the most frequent cause of inappropriate use.

Hospital admissions for bleeding events associated with treatment with apixaban, dabigatran and rivaroxaban

European Journal of Hospital Pharmacy

This retrospective observational study identified 37 hospitalisation episodes for DOAC-induced bleeding in 32 patients (15 rivaroxaban, 9 apixaban and 8 dabigatran; incidence rate 3.44 [95% CI 2.35 to 4.86] per 100 person-years), most commonly gastrointestinal (27 cases, 73.0%).

Stability of repackaged dabigatran etexilate capsules in dose administration aids

European Journal of Hospital Pharmacy

Repackaged capsules stored in the refrigerator for 28 days had a drug content of 98.2% and dissolution was not significantly affected (p=0.132). If repackaging of Pradaxa capsules is required, storage under refrigerated conditions ensures quality for 28 days.

Periprocedural management of patients receiving novel oral anticoagulants

European Journal of Hospital Pharmacy

This review of guidelines and evidence for the use of non-vitamin K oral antagonists highlights discrepancies between US and European guidelines. However, consensus about postoperative resumption is clear: 24 and 48–72hours, after low- and high-risk bleeding surgery, respectively.

The above records have been identified by UKMi and feature in the NICE Medicines Awareness Service. Further details on this service can be found at:

http://www.evidence.nhs.uk/about-evidence-services/content-and-sources/medicines-information/new-medicines-awareness-services