As an example of a potential alternative, the drug ximelagatran (brand name: Exanta) is metabolized to yield melagatran, which inhibits only thrombin. This may allow patients to take a single prescribed dosage without having to frequently monitor the INR and adjust dosage; in addition, it appears to have a low level of interactions. As of this writing, the drug is not approved in the U.S., but is being used for some limited applications in Europe (short-term therapy for leg surgeries). A potential role for Chinese blood-vitalizing herbs will still be present even if this (or other alternatives to warfarin) provides a safer anticoagulant therapy.