New oral anticoagulation reversal resource for healthcare professionals launches on epgonline.org

TUNBRIDGE WELLS, U.K. - March 14, 2016 - PRLog -- A new oral anticoagulation reversal resource has launched on epgonline.org, the website for healthcare professionals. This resource has been developed to provide accurate information on the approaches to oral anticoagulation reversal for patients who experience or are at risk of significant bleeding, or require surgery.

Non-vitamin K oral anticoagulants (NOACs) are being used increasingly for the treatment of conditions such as atrial fibrillation (AF), venous thromboembolism (VTE) and thromboprophylaxis as a viable alternative to oral vitamin K antagonists. As with all therapies, there are sometimes serious side effects. Risk of haemorrhage is more likely if there is a high level of anticoagulant within the bloodstream. Clear strategies to swiftly and completely reverse oral anticoagulation are essential, especially in patients experiencing a serious bleed^1,2. Patients who require emergency surgery or invasive diagnostic procedures, or those with very high INRs, are also candidates for urgent anticoagulation reversal^1,2.

The Oral Anticoagulation Reversal Knowledge Centre is available to access in full and at no cost to registered users of epgonline.org at the following address: http://www.epgonline.org/oac-reversal-knowledge-centre/en/. Information is arranged in fully referenced sections including disease management (bleeding risks, disease burden and treatment options, etc.), oral anticoagulants, a key publications digest, symposia and congress highlights, useful resources and more.

Dr Toby Galbraith, Director of Content Strategy for epgonline.org, said: "With the increasing use of NOACs in everyday medical practice, it is important for healthcare professionals to have access to information on OAC reversal information, available treatment options and disease information in one convenient location." The Oral Anticoagulation Reversal Knowledge Centre has been developed by EPG Health Media (Europe) Ltd for epgonline.org in collaboration with CSL Behring, with content provided by CSL Behring. This resource is not intended for healthcare professionals outside Europe.

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

·       EPG Health Media (Europe) Ltd publishes www.epgonline.org, an independent website dedicated to providing healthcare professionals worldwide with free access to a comprehensive range of disease and medicines information. Categorised by medical specialty, content within epgonline.org includes a multi-language database of approved medications, treatment guidelines, clinical trial information, journal abstracts, latest medical industry news, apps and a blog written by members.

·       CSL Behring is a global leader in the plasma protein biotherapeutics industry with a company history dating back to 1904. They research, develop, manufacture and market biotherapies, which are used to treat serious and rare conditions, including coagulation (bleeding) disorders such as haemophilia and von Willebrand disease and immune deficiencies. Biotherapies are also used in the rapid reversal of warfarin and to prevent haemolytic disease in new-born infants resulting from Rh factor incompatibilities. CSL Behring employs more than 9,000 people in 19 countries.

References:

1.     Hanley JP. Warfarin reversal. J Clin Pathol. 2004;57:1132-9.

2.     Hirsh J, Fuster V, Ansell J, Halperin JL; American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology Foundation. American Heart Association/ American College of Cardiology Foundation guide to warfarin therapy. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2003;41:1633-52.