Venous thromboembolism prophylaxis conversion in nonsurgical inpatients.
OBJECTIVE
To provide venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis according to national consensus guidelines while minimizing associated medication costs.


METHODS
Patients admitted to our institution who were receiving VTE prophylaxis with the low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) enoxaparin were identified and evaluated for potential conversion to low-dose unfractionated heparin (LDUH). Patients admitted for general medical conditions were targeted for a potential conversion. Factors that excluded patients from conversion were any surgical intervention or evidence of bleeding. For all eligible patients, the treating physician was contacted through written recommendations in an effort to achieve conversion to an LDUH regimen.


RESULTS
Throughout a 10-month period, 463 patients were identified as receiving enoxaparin for VTE prophylaxis. Of these, 112 (24%) were candidates for an LDUH regimen. A total of 88 pharmacy recommendations were provided, of which 59 (67%) were accepted. This conversion program resulted in the avoidance of 250 days of enoxaparin prophylaxis and 8495 US dollars of associated medication costs.


CONCLUSIONS
Clinical pharmacy programs directed at converting patients from a more costly LMWH regimen for VTE prophylaxis to an LDUH regimen can significantly reduce medication costs while adhering to consensus guidelines.
Carroll
Douglas N
DN
Department of Administrative and Clinical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Oklahoma, Tulsa, OK 74135-2512, USA. doug-carroll@ouhsc.edu
Hudson
Edward B
EB
D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000191:economics / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D017984:Enoxaparin / Q000191:economics / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006470:Hemorrhage / Q000139:chemically induced; D006493:Heparin / Q000191:economics / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006760:Hospitalization / Q000191:economics; D006801:Humans; D012307:Risk Factors; D013810:Therapeutic Equivalency; D013923:Thromboembolism / Q000191:economics / Q000517:prevention & control*; D020246:Venous Thrombosis / Q000191:economics / Q000517:prevention & control*
D000925:Anticoagulants; D017984:Enoxaparin; D006493:Heparin