The Harvard Health Ad Watch: A winner among blood thinners?
Blood normally clots to prevent small cuts and bruises from turning into life-threatening haemorrhages. Blood vessels, cells, and proteins work together to keep the blood flowing and prevent clotting, except when and where it’s needed. Yet blood clots can be caused by a variety of conditions, which can lead to life-threatening complications if left unchecked. Doctors may prescribe blood thinners to treat or prevent irregular blood clots.
Eliquis (apixaban) is one of several such medications whose advertisements are all over the place. There may be some useful information in the ad, but there may also be a lot of confusion. It’s possible that we’ve overlooked something important. Examine an ad that’s been getting a lot of play. “Eliquis” is mentioned only in relation to the treatment of potentially fatal blood clots in the veins in this ad. Atrial fibrillation, a cardiac rhythm disorder, is not mentioned as a possible side effect of taking Eliquis.)
What’s in store for us next?
As she nears a corner, a fearful woman in a cloak of shadows makes her way down the street. When I had my DVT blood clot, I wondered: Is there a chance that I’ll have another one??” The song now has a more upbeat feel to it. As the speaker continues, the sun comes out and shines down “Is it possible that I’ve misunderstood the situation? I felt the need to defend my person. Eliquis came highly recommended by my doctor.”
The narration goes on: “An anti-clotting drug called Eliquis has been shown to cure and prevent DVT and PE blood clots. Patients who took Eliquis didn’t have an additional side effects in nearly all cases. Compared to another common medication, Eliquis has much less serious bleeding than does the former.”
Risks associated with the use of Eliquis
The FDA requires drug advertisements to include a statement of the most significant dangers. In a hushed masculine voice, “Eliquis has the potential to induce life-threatening haemorrhage. If you have an artificial heart valve or irregular bleeding, you should not take Eliquis.” Spinal injections can cause consequences such as easy or odd bruising, heavy or prolonged bleeding, and a higher risk of bleeding while taking certain medicines, and we’ve been informed about these as well. Medical or dental procedures should be discussed with your doctor in advance.
Visuals such as a happy couple driving and hiking through magnificent landscapes keep the audience’s attention riveted throughout the recital.
The climax
The frightened woman seemed to be in a better mood: “It’s possible that what lies ahead will be a surprise. Eliquis may be an option for you.” This time the little girl is blowing bubbles and she scurries into her arms as she comes around the next curve. Isn’t that a satisfying conclusion?
The basics of blood clots and anticoagulant medications
First, let’s speak about why some individuals need Eliquis in the first place before looking at the advantages and downsides of this commercial.
Occasionally, aberrant blood clots form in arteries, causing a heart attack or stroke. Atrial fibrillation, a heart rhythm disorder, increases the risk of blood clots forming inside the heart. In veins, they can also develop (venous thromboembolism, or VTE). Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can cause pulmonary embolism, a condition that can be fatal if it travels through the bloodstream to the lungs (PE). Shortness of breath, discomfort in the chest, and a drop in blood oxygen levels are all possible side effects. VTE/PE kills an estimated 100,000 people in the United States each year.
Warfarin (Coumadin), apixaban (Eli Lilly), and other blood thinners are commonly prescribed for long-term use to prevent blood clots from forming or recurring (Eliquis).
There has never been a medicine like warfarin that is easy to take. It requires constant monitoring and interacts with a wide range of foods and medications. People taking warfarin may experience bleeding issues or blood clots, despite the fact that their dosage hasn’t been altered.
The availability of new blood thinners has increased in recent years. Another popular option is Eliquis (Apixaban). In addition, as is the case with most new medicines, it is quite expensive, with a monthly cost of about $500.
What the commercial does well.
After a DVT or PE, doctors frequently prescribe oral blood thinners like Eliquis. At least three months of treatment is normal.
When taking a blood thinner such as Eliquis, the most common side effect is a bleed. 10% of persons who take it have minor bleeding, including nosebleeds and gum bleeding. Less than 1% of the time, there is significant bleeding.
Eliquis may have a lower risk of small and serious bleeding than earlier blood thinners, according to certain studies.
Other than that, Eliquis is all you really need to know.
Because Eliquis has no dietary restrictions and requires less monitoring than warfarin, it’s a better choice for people who are on multiple drugs.
It’s possible that other choices, such as dabigatran (Pradaxa) and betrixaban (Xarelto), could be just as effective (Bevyxxa). Rivaroxaban and apixaban have different risks and benefits, according to two trials comparing the two (Eliquis). Apixaban, for example, has been shown in one research to reduce blood clots and bleeding.
Apixaban is not suggested for pregnant women who are at risk of creating a blood clot, or for those with cancer, prosthetic heart valves, or severe liver and renal illness who are at risk of developing a clot.
Atrial fibrillation has also been authorised by the FDA for Eliquis.
The nitty-gritty
To sell a product, drug advertising is used. Ads may offer useful information, but don’t expect them to be balanced, unbiased, or comprehensive. Make sure you and your doctor have all of the information you need to make an informed decision about your drugs. Don’t rely on the creators of Eliquis or any other pharmaceutical business to do that for you.
