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Article: BLOOD CLOT DRUG IS RISKY, BUT IT'S STILL THE BEST OPTION
- Article from:
- The Boston Globe (Boston, MA)
- Article date:
- February 15, 2005
- Author:
CopyrightCopyright 2005 The Boston Globe. Provided by ProQuest LLC. (Hide copyright information)
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Since its approval for use as a blood thinner in the 1950s,
warfarin has become one of the most important drugs in clinical
medicine, revolutionizing the way blood clots are treated.
Millions of Americans take warfarin, often sold under the brand
name, Coumadin, and, without it, many suffering from blood clots or
recovering from certain surgeries would die.
But, while warfarin saves countless lives each year, it is
notoriously difficult and dangerous to use, triggering uncontrolled
bleeding or brain hemorrhaging in 6.5 percent of patients in one
study, and interacting with foods such as spinach and drugs such as
antibiotics. For years, the search has been on for a safer and more
convenient ...