In a recent revelation, the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has given green signal for a new drug which could help in preventing blood clots. The drug is told to be manufactured by Pfizer and Bristol- Meyers Squibb. There has been concerns raised about blood clots in patients undergoing hip and knee replacement surgery, and this has been now addressed by this drug.

The drug Eliquis is expected to be used after patients have gone through hip or knee surgery. As much as £41.16 would have to be shelled out after the surgery. However, there are reports which indicate that cost could reach the mark of £116.62 if it’s being given to a patient for 34 days after a hip replacement.

There are reports which have earlier raised doubt over the effectiveness of the drug as compared to the results being obtained from the traditionally used Levenox. It has been even confirmed by ADOPT study (Apixaban Dosing to Optimize Protection from Thrombosis) that there are fair chances of excessive bleeding with the drug.

'We are pleased to have been able to produce final draft guidance on the use of apixaban just six months after it received its license for the prevention of VTE in patients who have undergone planned hip and knee surgery”, said Professor Carole Longson, Director of the institute's Health Technology Evaluation Centre, who has assured that the drug is the best both in the terms of clinical results and cost incurred.

There is desperate need to ensure that those who are battling with a high risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) are being given this drug. There is high possibility that this drug would soon join the list of possible treatments like that of Boehringer Ingelheim GmbH's Pradaxa, Bayer AG and Johnson & Johnson's Xarelto and many others.