FDA Approves New DVT Blood Clot Treatment

The FDA has approved the use of the anti-clotting drug apixaban (Eliquis) to treat deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE).

Apixaban is also now approved to lower the risk of DVT and PE returning in PEOPLE who've already had one.

The FDA posted a copy of an Aug. 19, 2014 letter to drugmaker Bristol-Myers, announcing its decision.

Apixaban was already approved for use in lowering the risks of stroke and blood clots in people with atrial fibrillation not caused by a heart valve problem and to prevent DVT and PE in people who've had hip- or knee-replacement surgery.

Last month the European Commission granted a similar extension of apixaban in countries where drug policies are covered by the European Medicines Agency.

Other blood thinners, including rivaroxaban (Xarelto)and dabigatran (Pradaxa), are also FDA-approved for the treatment of DVT and PE and the prevention of DVT or PE's return.