Anticoagulation for the management of VTE

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Anticoagulants are used for the treatment of DVT or PE, to prevent recurrence and to reduce the risk of secondary complications, such as post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS) and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH).^1-3

The phases of anticoagulation treatment may be categorised as ‘active’ and ‘long-term’.⁴ The first phase is considered to be active treatment of acute VTE and secondary prevention, whereas the second phase is considered to be secondary prevention only.⁴

Phases of anticoagulation treatment for VTE^4,5

Graph with phases of anticoagulation treatment for VTE

Adapted from Kearon et al. 2012.⁴
The duration of overall therapy should be individualised after careful assessment of the treatment benefit against the risk for bleeding.⁵
All prescribing must be in accordance with the appropriate SmPC.

More information on anticoagulants for the treatment of VTE and secondary prevention of VTE is provided later.

Adverse events should be reported. Reporting forms and information can be found via United Kingdom – The yellow card scheme at www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard, or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store. Adverse events should also be reported to Bristol-Myers Squibb via medical.information@bms.com or 0800 731 1736 (United Kingdom).

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In Treatment of VTE: Treatment of VTE | Anticoagulation for the management of VTE | Initial management of a confirmed VTE | DOACs for the treatment of VTE and prevention of recurrent VTE |

Abbreviations

CTEPH=Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension DOAC=Direct-acting Oral Anticoagulant DVT=Deep Vein Thrombosis MHRA=Medicines and Healthcare products and Regulatory Agency PE=Pulmonary Embolism PTS=Post-Thrombotic Syndrome SmPC=Summary of Product Characteristics VTE=Venous Thromboembolism

References

NICE. Venous thromboembolic diseases: diagnosis, management and thrombophilia testing [NG158]. 26 March 2020.
Lang IM et al. Circulation 2014; 130: 508–518.
Farrell JJ et al. Cardiovasc Diagn Ther 2016; 6: 623–631.
Kearon C. J Thromb Haemost 2012; 10: 507–511.
Apixaban Summary of Product Characteristics. Available at: www.medicines.org.uk/emc/search?q=apixaban.

Job code: 432-GB-2100110

Date of preparation: September 2021

Managing and treating patients with VTE