A new study has found that Dabigatran is better than Warfarin at preventing vein clots in the legs’ deep veins. The study also showed that Dabigatran is safer to use for this purpose than Warfarin, which are both used as treatments for AF patients to prevent stroke caused by blood clots.
According to lead researcher Dr. Sam Schulman, a professor in the division of hematology and thromboembolism at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, using anticoagulants as an extended treatment for blood clots in the veins or legs should occur more often than it does now. Schulman says that Warfarin users often need periodic blood tests as a means of ensuring that they are not using the drug too much and that it increases the patients’ bleeding risks, which can lead to a heart attack or stroke. This study was published in the February 21 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
“These new anticoagulants are great and appear to be as effective as the only other oral one out there, Warfarin,” said Dr. Jean Connors, medical director of the anticoagulation management service at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston.
Both Warfarin and Dabigatran are used as a treatment for atrial fibrillation as part of the efforts to prevent strokes. While Warfarin is the most commonly prescribed drug for AF patients, Dabigatran is quickly gaining ground. The popularity of these drugs may be due to the fact that previous drugs like Multaq have been found to be too dangerous for use because of the side effects linked to it. Some of the serious side effects linked to Multaq include a worsening of the heart condition, liver failure, lung disease and pulmonary toxicity.
If you or a loved one has suffered from liver failure, a worsening of the heart condition, lung disease or pulmonary toxicity after taking Multaq, contact attorney Greg Jones for a free consultation today. I am experienced at fighting Multaq lawsuits and may be able to help you recover money for your injuries.