The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has just issued its final appraisal determination on the use of rivaroxaban (also known as Xarelto) as an alternative to warfarin for the treatment of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and prevention of recurrent DVT.
Estimates suggest that more than 46,000 people in England and Wales will develop a DVT in 2012, rising to more than 50,000 people in 2016, due in part to the rising population.
Up until now, warfarin has been the standard treatment, but it requires regular monitoring by blood tests (INR), dosage adjustments and people taking warfarin need to careful about their diet, because warfarin can interact with certain foods. Rivaroxaban does not require regular monitoring and it represents a potential benefit to people who have had a DVT.
Full NICE guidance is available click here
In relation to DVT, prevention is better than cure so here are my tips for DVT prevention.
Tips for avoiding a DVT
- Maintain an active lifestyle and exercise regularly — daily, if possible. Walking, swimming, and bicycling are all great activities.
- Manage your weight with exercise as well as by eating a healthy diet.
- If you smoke, quit!! Nicotine therapy (in patches, gums, or sprays) and support groups can make this much easier to do.
- Get your blood pressure checked regularly; take steps to lower it, if necessary.
- Report any family or personal history of blood-clotting problems to your doctor.
- Discuss alternatives to the contraceptive pill or hormone-replacement therapy with your doctor.
- If you are on a plane for more than 4 hours, either walk or do leg stretches in your seat and also stay well-hydrated and avoid alcohol consumption.
- If you are going into hospital, make sure you have a “risk assessment” and that you are considered for anti-thrombosis socks and blood thinning injections.
If you are concerned about DVT and wish to have a private consultation, please use our contact form or call (0800) 698 3467