Revised SPC: Pradaxa (dabigatran) capsules
electronic Medicines compendium
SPC now advises that concomitant administration with glecaprevir/pibrentasvir is contraindicated owing to increased risk of bleeding due to increased dabigatran levels. Also, alopecia has been added as a potential adverse effect of treatment (frequency unknown).
American Journal of Cardiology
Review of 9 studies (n=13,437) found no statistically significant difference in mortality, nonfatal myocardial infarction, stent thrombosis, and stroke between double and triple antithrombotic therapy (DATT and TATT). DATT had a lower rate of bleeding (RR 0.64, 95% CI 0.54-0.75).
JAMA Internal Medicine
Cohort study (n=11,185) concludes ticagrelor was not associated with lower risk of major adverse coronary events (HR 0.97; 95% CI, 0.85-1.10); however, it was associated with an increased risk of major bleeding (1.51; 1.29-1.78) and dyspnoea vs clopidogrel (1.98; 1.47-2.65).
Journal of the American Medical Association
RCT (n=813) reports postoperative osocimab 0.6mg/kg, 1.2mg/kg, and 1.8mg/kg met criteria for noninferiority vs enoxaparin, and the preoperative 1.8mg/kg dose of osocimab met criteria for superiority vs enoxaparin in incidence of VTE (primary outcome) at 10-13 days postoperatively.
Low molecular weight heparins – should prophylactic doses be used in patients with renal impairment?
Specialist Pharmacy Service
In contrast to unfractionated heparin, low molecular weight heparins are primarily cleared via kidney thus care needed in renal impairment (RI) because they can accumulate and increase bleeding Risk. Q&A reviews current literature on use of prophylactic doses in patients with RI.
Direct acting oral anticoagulants and alopecia: the valuable support of post marketing data
British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology
Analysis identified 1316 reports on VigiBase, most concerning rivaroxaban (58.8%). Overall, 80% of reports were related to females, in particular to those ≥65 years old (23.1%).Median time‐to‐onset was 28 days (IQR 63 days). In 54.3% of reports, causality was assessed as possible.
Thrombosis and Haemostasis
In analysis of 3 RCTs (n=2661), use of NOACs was linked to similar incidence of stroke/systemic embolism, ischaemic stroke, venous thromboembolism, all-cause death and major bleeding vs. vitamin K antagonists. Results were confirmed in secondary analysis (3 observational studies).
Ticagrelor hits primary endpoint in the THALES Phase III trial for use in stroke
PharmaTimes
In this study, the manufacturers report that ticagrelor 90 mg twice daily plus aspirin for 30 days showed a statistically significant and clinically meaningful reduction in the risk of stroke and death vs aspirin alone.
European Medicines Agency
Treprostinil sodium is a prostacyclin analogue which has a direct vasodilatory effect on pulmonary and systemic arterial circulation, and inhibits platelet aggregation.
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
Circulation
Review of patients with incident NSAID use in the ARISTOTLE trial (n=2185) found that incident NSAID use was associated with an increased risk of major bleeding (HR 1.61, 95% CI 1.11-2.33) and relevant non-major bleeding (1.70, 1.16-2.48).
Heart
US-Registry shows among 4120 patients on DOACs, 154 (3.7%) patients had a CrCl decline sufficient to warrant FDA-recommended dose reductions and only 31 patients underwent dose reduction. Those without dose reduction experienced major bleeding 1.7% vs 0% at 1 year.
Apixaban and dalteparin in active malignancy‐associated venous thromboembolism: The ADAM VTE trial
Journal of Thrombosis and Haemastasis
RCT (n=300) found a lower rate of major bleeding and recurrent VTE with apixaban vs dalteparin (0% vs 1.4% and 0.7% vs 6.3%, p<0.05 for both). Rates of major bleeding or clinically relevant non-major bleeding were similar in the two groups (6%).
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
Antidepressant drug use and subdural hematoma risk
Journal of Thrombosis and Haemastasis
Study (10,885 subdural hematoma (SDH) cases & 435,379 matched controls) found SSRIs (adjusted OR 1.32 [1.25‐1.38]) and non‐SSRIs (aOR 1.19 [1.13‐1.26]) were associated with higher SDH risk vs. non‐use of antidepressants; but absolute risk is judged to be small.
National Institute for Health Research
Meta-analysis (n=6857; 13 trials) found thromboprophylaxis (TP) in this setting is clinically (low-molecular-weight heparin reduced risk any VTE: OR 0.52, 95% CI, 0.37-0.71) and cost (£13,524 per QALY) effective vs. no TP. Estimates of risk of major bleeding were inconclusive.
British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology
Study (n=4427) found patients with treatment errors (ERs) hospitalised for AF/with stroke history more likely to have such ERs corrected but many ERs are still overlooked. After nontreatment, DOAC underdosing and vitamin K antagonists use instead of DOAC are most common ER types.
PharmaTimes
In trials, Hemlibra dosed once-weekly or every two weeks led to statistically significant reduction in treated bleeds compared to on-demand treatment. In pooled data a high proportion of patients, both with and without inhibitors, achieved zero treated bleeds.
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
European Journal of Hospital Pharmacy
Study suggests clinical pharmacist's intervention can improve rate of thrombosis prophylaxis prescription (pre-intervention 34.8% at high VTE risk received pharmacological prophylaxis [PP] vs 100% post intervention (use of PP in low risk VTE patients reduced from 22.2% to 3.3%).
Revised SPCs: Plavix (clopidogrel) 75 and 300 mg film-coated tablets
electronic Medicines compendium
SPC now warns that as with other oral P2Y12 inhibitors, co-administration of opioid agonists has potential to delay and reduce absorption of clopidogrel, presumably because of slowed gastric emptying. The clinical relevance is unknown.
NIHR Signal: Continuing an anticoagulant at home after abdominal surgery cuts thrombosis risk
NIHR Dissemination Centre
Expert commentary is provided of updated Cochrane review of 7 studies which found 13% patients on anticoagulant treatment only during hospital stay developed thrombosis vs. 5% who continued with treatment beyond discharge, and had no increased risk of bleeding complications.
JAMA Neurology
Cohort study of 993 patients treated with mechanical thrombectomy, including 100 who received additional intra-arterial urokinase showed it was not linked to increased symptomatic intracranial haemorrhage (5.2 v 6.9%) and was associated with better 90-day functional independence.
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
Low molecular weight heparins – should prophylactic doses be used in patients with renal impairment?
Specialist Pharmacy Service
This updated Medicines Q & A reviews the evidence available and considers when prophylactic doses of low molecular weight heparins can be used in patients with renal impairment.
Impact of oral anticoagulation in patients with atrial fibrillation at very low thromboembolic risk
Heart
Study (n=2224) found 44% of low CHA2DS2-VASc patients received oral anticoagulation (OAC). Incidence of non-haemorrhagic stroke/systemic embolism were similar between OAC and not on OAC groups (0.32 vs 0.30 events per 100 person years, respectively; NS; p=0.92).
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:
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The Lancet Haematology
RCT (184) showed additional ultrasound-accelerated catheter-directed thrombolysis (urokinase) does not change risk of post-thrombotic syndrome 1 year after acute ilio femoral DVT vs. standard therapy (anticoagulation, stockings, early ambulation) [29 vs. 35%; respectively,p=0.42].
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence
This DRAFT guideline aims to support quick diagnosis and effective treatment for people who develop DVT or PE. It also covers testing for conditions that can make a DVT or PE more likely, such as thrombophilia (a blood clotting disorder) and cancer.
Association of Anticoagulant Therapy With Risk of Fracture Among Patients With Atrial Fibrillation
JAMA Internal Medicine
Study (n=167 275) found that relative to new users of warfarin, new users of DOACs - particularly apixaban – were at lower risk of fractures requiring hospitalisation (hazard ratio for DOAC vs. warfarin 0.87; 95% CI, 0.79-0.96).
Heart
Swedish cohort study (n= 9539) reported that warfarin vs single antiplatelet exposure was associated with lower long-term risk of ischaemic stroke and thromboembolic events, and with a higher incidence of bleeding events but with similar mortality.
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
European Heart Journal
Review discusses management options for heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HfrEF), whether anticoagulation would be protective in patients with ischaemic HfrEF, role of renin–angiotensin system, beta-blockers, mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists and diuretics.
Manufacturers report positive data from the TWILIGHT trial for ticagrelor
PharmaTimes
New data from AstraZeneca's TWILIGHT trial has found that Brilinta (ticagrelor) on its own reduced the risk of clinically relevant bleeding compared to dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) over 12 months in high-risk patients with non-ST elevation acute coronary syndromes (NSTE-ACS).
A Controlled Trial of Rivaroxaban after Transcatheter Aortic-Valve Replacement
New England Journal of Medicine
In 1644 pts without an established indication for oral anticoagulation after transcatheter aortic-valve replacement, treatment with rivaroxaban was associated with a higher risk of death or thromboembolic complications and higher risk of bleeding vs an antiplatelet-based strategy.
Annals of Emergency Medicine
This US-focused anticoagulant reversal and replacement guidance statement is supported by literature and consensus definitions to support evaluation and treatment of the bleeding and nonbleeding patient requiring emergency invasive procedures.
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:
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Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin
A commentary on the Triple Antiplatelets for Reducing Dependency after Ischaemic Stroke (TARDIS) highlights that intensive antiplatelet therapy with three drugs should not be used in routine clinical practice to prevent recurrent events in patients with acute cerebral ischaemia.
JAMA Internal Medicine
Study (n=39,622) found testosterone therapy was associated with an increase in short-term risk for VTE among men with (OR 2.32; 95% CI, 1.97-2.74) and without (2.02; 1.47-2.77) hypogonadism, with some evidence that the association was more pronounced among younger men.
JAMA Cardiology
Article notes adjunctive antithrombotic therapy used to mitigate thrombotic risks in this population must be balanced against bleeding complications. Evidence for its use remains scarce and no risk prediction models have been established to guide antithrombotic therapy.
Biospace Inc.
Feedback from regulatory authorities, and from recent study site inspections indicated that additional clinical data would be required for approval. As a result, Actelion has decided to withdraw ongoing worldwide submissions based on phase 2 MERIT-1 study.
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:
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The Lancet Haematology
RCT (n=500) reports fewer symptomatic recurrent venous thromboembolism rates with rivaroxaban: 1% of 335 children receiving weight-adjusted rivaroxaban vs 3% of 165 receiving standard anticoagulants (HR 0.40, 95% CI 0.11–1.41), with similar rates of bleeding in both groups.
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
Journal of the American Medical Association
RCT of 735 adults who underwent CABG surgery and developed significant bleeding and hypofibrinogenemia post surgery showed similar number of blood components transfused within 24hrs with both fibrinogen concentrate group and cryoprecipitate group (p<0.01 for non-inferiority).
Annals of Internal Medicine
Recommendations for patients receiving anticoagulation or antiplatelet therapy have been updated. PPI therapy is recommended to prevent UGIB in patients with previous ulcer bleeding who are receiving single- or dual-antiplatelet or anticoagulant therapy.
Prevalence and Knowledge of Potential Interactions Between Over‐the‐Counter Products and Apixaban
Journal of the American Geriatrics Society
Survey (n=791,California) found significant number of patients take OTC meds (particularly dietary supplements) with potentially serious interactions (SIs) with apixaban (33% took ≥1 and 6.7% multiple interacting OTC meds) and they appear to lack knowledge about potentially SIs.
European Heart Journal
Review (4 RCTs; n= 10 234) reported lower major or clinically relevant non-major bleeding with double vs. triple antithrombotic therapy (RR 0.66, 95% CI 0.56–0.78; P < 0.0001; I2 = 69%) but at higher risk of stent thrombosis (RR 1.59, 95% CI 1.01–2.50; P = 0.04; I2 = 0%).
NIHR Signal: Significant risk of another thrombosis remains if anticoagulation is stopped
NIHR Dissemination Centre
This expert commentary of a meta-analysis (18 studies, n= 7,515) states clinical decisions to cease anticoagulation should remain tailored to each patient's circumstances and balanced against risk of bleeding.
European Medicines Agency
PRAC has concluded that tofacitinib could increase risk of blood clots in the lungs and deep veins in patients who are already at high risk. Also, patients older than 65 years of age should be treated with tofacitinib only when there is no alternative treatment.
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
