Health News

Common Rx Combo Tied to Serious Health Risk
The popular blood thinner warfarin is known for its potentially serious interactions with many drugs. And here may be another.
When More Medication Isn't Necessarily Better
More isn't always better, and that may be especially true when it comes to heart attack medications.
Abnormal Heartbeat Rx May Pose Major Bleeding Risk
When the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved dabigatran in 2010, it highlighted the medication's ability to prevent stroke. Since then, some have raised concerns that the blood-thinning medication may cause severe bleeding.
GI Bleeding Higher in Pradaxa vs. Warfarin
The prescription blood-thinners Pradaxa (dabigatran) and warfarin aim to reduce stroke and other cardiovascular disorders, but like most medications, they do carry some risks.
FDA Compares Risks of Pradaxa and Warfarin
FDA research has taken a closer look at the risks of two medications commonly used to lower the risk for stroke and blood clots.
Warfarin Benefited AFib Patients With Kidney Disease
For those with atrial fibrillation, warfarin helps reduce stroke and heart attack risk. While some have questioned the safety of its use with kidney patients, the medication appears to improve outcomes.
Blood Thinners Recommended for AFib Patients
People with atrial fibrillation, a common heart rhythm disorder, face a high likelihood of stroke. To reduce the risk, the American Academy of Neurology recommends taking anticoagulants.
Even if Stroke Strikes, Rx May Reduce Damage
Stroke risk runs high for individuals with atrial fibrillation. Taking blood thinners, however, may not only lower this risk, it may reduce the likelihood of brain damage if stroke happens anyway.
Need for Warfarin is in the Genes
DNA varies from person to person and, in some ways, group to group. Those variations may explain why many blacks require much less of a widely prescribed blood thinner than do whites.
Blood Thinners: To Continue or Not
Blood thinners are a mixed blessing for patients. On one hand, they can prevent strokes. But on the other, they can cause serious bleeding during surgery.