In draft guidance published today NICE has recommended the anti-blood clotting drug dabigatran etexilate mesylate (Pradaxa, Boehringer Ingelheim) as an option for treating and preventing recurrent and potentially fatal blood clots in the legs (deep vein thrombosis) and lungs (pulmonary embolism) in adults.

Deep vein thrombosis (or ‘DVT’) occurs when a blood clot (thrombus) forms in the deep veins of the leg or pelvis. Blood flow through the affected vein can be limited by the clot, and it can cause swelling and pain in the leg.

If the blood clot dislodges and travels to the lungs, this can lead to a potentially fatal pulmonary embolism (or ‘PE’) when the clot blocks the blood supply to the lungs. Even if blood clots are not fatal, they can still result in long-term illness, including venous ulceration and chronic pain, swelling and skin changes in the affected limb which can have a significant impact on quality of life.

For more details, go to: https://www.nice.org.uk/news/press-and-media/nice-recommends-dabigatran-pradaxa-for-treating-and-preventing-potentially-fatal-blood-clots