MyBloodThinner.org: Oral Anticoagulant Research and Resources

Oral Anticoagulant Research and Resources

Resources for Patients and Caregivers

FDA Approves updated oral anticoagulant prescribing information on genetic testing (08/2007)

FDA approved updated labeling including new information for the widely used blood-thinning drug, Coumadin.This new information explains that people's genetic makeup may influence how they respond to the drug.Specifically, people with variations in two genes may need lower warfarin doses than people without these genetic variations. The two genes are called CYP2C9 and VKORC1.The CYP2C9 gene is involved in the breakdown (metabolism) of warfarin and the VKORC1 gene helps regulate the ability of warfarin to prevent blood from clotting. For more information click here.

For more information on genetic testing, including concerns about how information about genotype testing will be added to the label, see the Anticoagulation Forum newsletter here.

This issue of the newsletter includes a letter from the AC Forum Board of Directors to Dr. Lawrence Lesko, Director, Office of Clinical Pharmacology at the FDA. The letter outlines the AC Forum's concerns about the FDA's plan to add information about genotype testing to the warfarin package insert. The newsletter also includes Dr. Lesko's response letter.

FDA Medication Guide for Oral Anticoagulant Coumadin (Oct. 2006)

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Bristol-Myers Squibb (manufacturers of Coumadin) have recently notified pharmacists and physicians of revisions to the labeling for Coumadin, to include a new patient Medication Guide as well as a reorganization and highlighting of the current safety information to better inform providers and patients. Click here for more information. FDA regulations requires a Medication Guide to be provided with each prescription that is dispensed for products that FDA determines pose a serious and significant public health concern. Information about all currently approved Medication Guides is available at here.

New Research on Oral Anticoagulants

To hear firsthand from those directly involved in the issues and challenges associated with safe oral anticoagulant use, NCL commissioned Bearing Point to conduct focus group research with three different
population groups: patients, pharmacists, and general practice/internal medicine physicians. The results of this effort are available here.

The Use of Oral Anticoagulants: Key Findings from Surveys of Patients, Caregivers, and Physicians (executive summary)

To request a copy of the entire 150-slide survey presentation, please email us.

www.WarfarinDosing.org

This site helps health care practitioners begin warfarin therapy by estimateing the dose in new patients. The estimates are based on clinical factors and, when available, genotypes of two genes.

AARP

Contains resources to help people safely and effectively manage their medications.

Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) Patient Guide to Coumadin/warfarin therapy

Anticoagulation Forum

A network of health care professionals committed to the therapy of thromboembolic disorders predominantly through the venue of anticoagulation management service. Through exchange of information, medical education, and scientific investigation, the Forum promotes professional development and the enhancement of the quality of anticoagulation care.

DrugDigest

Provides easy-to-understand information for safe and effective use of warfarin. Additionally, pill identification photos, drug interactions checker and printable medication cards are available.

Food and Drug Administration

This brochure, Aspirin for Reducing Your Risk of Heart Attack and Stroke: KNOW THE FACTS, explains why you need to work with your health professional when choosing and using aspirin for lowering the risk of heart attack and stroke.

Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP)

The Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) is a nonprofit organization devoted entirely to medication error prevention and safe medication use. ISMP represents over 30 years of experience in helping healthcare practitioners keep patients safe, and continues to lead efforts to improve the medication use process.

ISMP provides useful information for consumers on the following topics:

* General Advice on Safe Medication Use

* Lessons to be Learned from Past Errors

* Preventing Drug Errors in Children

* Safe Medicine, the ISMP Medication

Safety Newsletter for Consumers

* ISMP Patient Safety Brochure

National Stroke Association

The National Stroke Association wants you to know that atrial fibrillation (AF) is a controllable risk factor for stroke. AF is an irregular heartbeat that can allow blood to pool in the heart causing blood clots which may move to the brain causing a stroke. Blood thinning medication is one of the treatments for this condition.

American Heart Association

Learn how to recognize signs of stroke.

This information is not a substitute for the medical advice of a qualified health care provider, and we urge you to visit a qualified physician for diagnosis and for answers to your questions.