Medicines for Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)

What it is

Deep vein thrombosis is a blood clot that forms in one of the deep veins, most often in the calf or thigh. It typically causes pain, swelling, warmth and sometimes redness in one leg. DVT matters because part of the clot can break off and travel to the lungs, causing a pulmonary embolism, which can be life-threatening. Risk is increased by prolonged immobility (such as after surgery or a long journey), pregnancy, cancer, certain medicines, clotting disorders and previous clots. Diagnosis usually involves a clinical scoring assessment, a D-dimer blood test and an ultrasound scan of the leg veins.

How it is treated

The mainstay of treatment is anticoagulation ("blood thinning") to stop the clot growing, prevent a pulmonary embolism, and allow the body to break the clot down over time. Treatment usually continues for at least several months, and sometimes longer or indefinitely if the risk of further clots is high. The choice and duration of anticoagulant depend on the cause, other conditions and bleeding risk, and are reviewed over time. Compression stockings and keeping mobile may be advised, and any underlying cause (such as an unprovoked clot) is considered for further investigation.