New drug for stroke victims

(UKPA) – 1 day ago

A new blood-thinning drug could end the use of rat poison as a primary medical treatment to prevent stroke, it has been claimed.

For half a century, thousands of patients at risk of stroke have been given warfarin to prevent blood clotting.

But treatment with the drug, commonly used to kill vermin, is risky.

Doses have to be carefully watched and adjusted to prevent excessive bleeding from cuts or stomach ulcers, requiring frequent clinic visits.

Warfarin can also interact badly with other drugs and certain foods, including green vegetables and grapefruit.

The new drug, Pradaxa, works in a different way and is far safer.

Patients taking the pill twice a day do not have to be constantly checked for signs of overdosing, and can eat what they like.

The drug is also much easier to use alongside other medicines.

Results from a major trial showed that Pradaxa was 34% better at reducing the risk of stroke and blood clots in at-risk patients than well-controlled warfarin.

Death rates were also reduced by 15% when patients were given the drug.

Copyright © 2009 The Press Association. All rights reserved.
Related articles