Improved utilisation of venous thromboembolism prophylaxis in renal-impaired patients following a clinical pharmacist intervention

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.

Safety and Efficacy of Intra-arterial Urokinase After Failed, Unsuccessful, or Incomplete Mechanical Thrombectomy in Anterior Circulation Large-Vessel Occlusion Stroke

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