Publication:

Efficacy and safety of dabigatran in prevention of venous thromboembolism in patients undergoing major orthopedic surgeries: a review

Thromboprophylaxis with anticoagulants can significantly reduce the risk of patients developing symptomatic deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE) and VTE related mortality post major orthopedic surgeries like total hip and knee replacement surgeries. Dabigatran, a directly acting oral anticoagulant (DOAC) and direct thrombin inhibitor, is an available option for VTE prophylaxis having comparable efficacy to low molecular weight heparins (LMWH), other DOACs and Warfarin, once daily dosing, and comparable safety and bleeding risk to both LMWH and Aspirin. Dabigatran is currently the only DOAC with an available and marketed reversing agent. A review of Dabigatran’s clinical efficacy and safety is presented here. Therefore, Dabigatran represents a balanced thromboprophylaxis option for VTE prevention in patients undergoing major orthopedic surgeries.