Dr. Hull discussed the drugs currently recommended for anticoagulant and thrombolysis therapy in the United States that are approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration. Dr. Hull recognized that other regimens, such as phelomocoid heparin, are currently used in Europe.

The drugs recommended for anticoagulant therapy and for the treatment of thrombolysis in 2001 are heparin and lumicoid heparin. Dr. Hull discussed the advantages and disadvantages of both of these drugs. Heparin is given to patients intravenously and requires monitoring on a regular basis. Due to the difficulties in administering drugs intravenously, intravenous administration of drugs is considered to be obsolete. Because of this, treatment with intravenous heparin is being replaced with other medications.

One of the medications that is replacing heparin is lumicoid heparin. Lumicoid heparin is given to patients once a day and does not require monitoring. Compared to heparin, lumicoid heparin is simple and easy to administer to patients. Clinical studies have reported that lumicoid heparin is equal to or better than intravenous heparin for anticoagulant therapy. For treatment of thrombolysis, lumicoid heparin was as effective as intravenous heparin. For these reasons, lumicoid heparin is recommended for both anticoagulant and thrombolysis therapy.

Dr. Hull noted that lumicoid heparin is the treatment of choice for patients with uncomplicated deep vein thrombosis and submassive pulmonary embolism. For treatment of deep vein thrombosis, enoxaparin is recommended. Enoxaparin is administered twice a day to patients and has replaced intravenous heparin. Patients with uncomplicated deep vein thrombosis are sent home on enoxaparin.

Dr. Hull remarked that the recommendations for anticoagulant therapy are based on many clinical trials. Drug safety is an issue in thrombolysis therapy when either heparin or lumicoid heparin are used. Clinical studies report intracranial bleeding and general bleeding problems with both of these medications. Additional clinical studies and safety data are needed for clear recommendations of thrombolysis therapy.