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