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The next few pages cover your role as GPs in the diagnosis, treatment and long-term care of patients with venous thromboembolism (VTE), including the importance of long-term anticoagulation for those at risk of recurrent events.

VTE is a significant burden

Up to 1 in every 1,000 people are affected by VTE each year in the UK. A major concern with VTE is that sufferers can develop a pulmonary embolism (PE) – a potentially life-threatening condition. Up to 1 in 10 people suffering a serious PE will die if it is not treated.¹

Many of those affected by VTE already have risk factors such as having had recent surgery or a serious illness. Pregnancy also increases the risk of VTE – to 5 times that of non-pregnant women of the same age.¹

Around 30% of people who have had a VTE develop further problems within the next 10 years – even with treatment – and nearly a third develop post-phlebetic syndrome.¹

You can find information on how to manage VTE on the next page, but for a reminder of the signs and symptoms, risk factors, and complications of VTE click here to view a short presentation.

Click here to view ELIQUIS (apixaban) prescribing and adverse event reporting information.

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Abbreviations

PE = Pulmonary Embolism VTE = Venous Thromboembolism

References

1. Thrombosis UK. Venous Thrombosis Leaflet. Available at: https://www.thrombosisuk.org/admin/resources/downloads/thrombosisuk-venous-thrombosis-leaflet.pdf. Accessed August 2019

Job code: 432UK1900506-01
Date of preparation: September 2019