 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
• •
•
•
•
About thrombosis
Venous thrombosis
Treatment of venous thrombosis
If someone has a deep vein thrombosis and/or a pulmonary embolism, treatment will be given in the form of anticoagulant drugs. These aim to prevent the clot growing any larger and to prevent or stop an embolism.
Currently there are two main forms of anticoagulation: heparin
and warfarin.
Heparin
Heparin is given first, as it provides immediate anticoagulation. Heparin
is often given before an imaging test is performed, as is vital to provide
treatment without delay.
Heparin can be given intravenously and subcutaneously by
injection, but not by mouth. The advantage of using heparin is
that it has an immediate anticoagulant effect.
Unfractionated or standard heparin includes a number of different sized molecules. This means that the same dose of heparin produces a different effect in different individuals. It therefore requires monitoring.
Low molecular weight heparin is a type of heparin that has been purified and the small molecules selected. These smaller molecules have a specific anticoagulant action, and produce a longer lasting and more reliable result.
Because of these advantages and a lower incidence of side effects, most doctors now give low molecular weight heparin.
Warfarin
Warfarin is usually given at a later date, for
a period of 3-6 months or longer. Warfarin can be taken orally. After the
first treatment it takes at least three days to reach adequate anticoagulation
levels.
A major problem with warfarin is that each individual requires a different dose to achieve the required blood thinness levels. Also its effects are altered by how well someone's liver functions, their diet and other medication being taken.
This means that people taking warfarin need to regularly attend an anticoagulant clinic, to have their blood thinness levels checked.
Other anticoagulants
Some individuals have an adverse reaction to warfarin and are given
other anticoagulant drugs that have a similar effect, such as phenindione.
Copyright
© Lifeblood: The Thrombosis Charity 2003-2006. A
company limited by guarantee. Registered Company No: 4354472.
Registered Charity No: 1090540
