Management of venous thromboembolism in patients with cancer: role of dalteparin

Figures & data

Table 1 Comparison of warfarin with dalteparin for long-term anticoagulation

Warfarin

Extended duration dalteparin

oral agent delayed onset of anticoagulant effect mean plasma half-life: 40 hours prolonged anticoagulant effect with hepatic insufficiency influenced by diet and other medications requires laboratory monitoring reversible with vitamin K no risk of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia small risk of warfarin necrosis no risk of osteopenia inexpensive

once or twice daily subcutaneous injections rapid onset of anticoagulant effect mean plasma half-life: 4 hours prolonged anticoagulant effect with renal insufficiency not influenced by diet or other medications does not require laboratory monitoring only partially reversible with protamine sulphate small risk of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia no risk of warfarin necrosis small risk of osteopenia expensive