Warfarin, the anti-coagulant drug often prescribed after strokes and heart attacks, is a high risk treatment because the therapeutic dose – the amount needed for it to have an effect – is rather close to being a dangerous dose. This means that if anything happens to disturb the body’s balance – it could, theoretically, be something as simple as eating a very hot curry – there is a risk of an overdose.
A coalition of researchers in seven European countries are starting a new clinical trial of techniques to make Warfarin safer.
Genetic Methods Used
Using a mathematical formula based on genetic techniques the researchers carrying out the study will tailor the Warfarin dose to the patient – rather than using a ‘one size fits all’ approach. This should mean fewer side effects – such as internal bleeding caused by the blood becoming ‘too thin’.
The study is reported in the New England Journal of Medicine.
More detail on this story
Warfarin – Wikipedia
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I was seriously intrigued to realize that the researchers carrying out the study will actually tailor the Warfarin dose to the patient. This website seems very good and interesting so far, so good job.