World Thrombosis Day creates educational video bringing awareness to blood clots and major bleed risks with support from AstraZeneca

September 18, 2023

Global campaign launches new educational video titled, “Understanding direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) and major bleed risks: the crucial conversation to have with your doctor.”

CHAPEL HILL, NC, USA, (September 18, 2023) — World Thrombosis Day, a global awareness campaign led by the International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis (ISTH), launches the educational video titled, “Understanding direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) and major bleed risks: the crucial conversation to have with your doctor.” This video, supported by AstraZeneca through an independent educational grant, is in recognition of the World Thrombosis Day campaign’s 10th anniversary on October 13, 2023.

The World Thrombosis Day educational video features Gregory J. Fermann, M.D., executive vice chair and professor of emergency medicine at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine and Paul P. Dobesh, Pharm.D., professor and pharmacist at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. Together they explain the risks, signs and symptoms of major bleeds and share their research on direct oral anticoagulants, commonly referred to as DOACs.

“According to our research, the conditions such as atrial fibrillation, deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism in which thrombosis or blood clots are common, direct oral anticoagulants consistently showed better safety in direct comparison to what used to be the standard of care of a vitamin K antagonist, such as Warfarin and others, especially in the most severe types of bleeding,” said Paul P. Dobesh, Pharm.D. “Despite these advantages, the bleeding rates are still not zero, and with millions of patients across the world on these agents, it’s important to know the signs, symptoms and risks of major bleeds.”

“The different classifications for major bleeds that we generally look for are gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding, often characterized by pain in the upper abdomen, throwing up blood or passing black or red colored stool. The other is intercranial bleeding, which can be associated with severe sudden headache, stroke-like symptoms including numbness, slurred speech, and severe dizziness,” said Gregory J. Fermann, M.D. “If you experience any of these symptoms make sure to get to the emergency department quickly and if you have questions consult your doctor.”

World Thrombosis Day, led by a global scientific steering committee, raises much-needed visibility on the condition of thrombosis by providing educational assets to spark conversation about prevention strategies and ultimately help save lives as thrombosis conditions contributes to the death of 1 in 4 people worldwide each year. To learn more about the World Thrombosis Day and participate in the 10th anniversary celebrations, visit www.worldthrombosisday.org.

To watch the educational video “Understanding direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) and major bleed risks: the crucial conversation to have with your doctor”, visit https://youtu.be/CpbXeENF1n0.

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About AstraZeneca: 

AstraZeneca (LSE/STO/Nasdaq: AZN) is a global, science-led biopharmaceutical company that focuses on the discovery, development, and commercialisation of prescription medicines in Oncology, Rare Diseases and BioPharmaceuticals, including Cardiovascular, Renal & Metabolism and Respiratory & Immunology. Based in Cambridge, UK, AstraZeneca operates in over 100 countries and its innovative medicines are used by millions of patients worldwide. Please visit astrazeneca.com and follow the Company on Social Media @AstraZeneca.

About the International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis (ISTH)

Founded in 1969, the ISTH is the leading worldwide medical and scientific professional Society dedicated to advancing the understanding, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of conditions related to thrombosis and hemostasis. ISTH is an international medical-scientific professional membership organization with more than 7,000 clinicians, researchers, and educators working together to improve the lives of patients in more than 124 countries around the world. Among its highly regarded activities and initiatives are education and standardization programs, research activities, meetings and congresses, peer-reviewed publications, expert committees, and World Thrombosis Day on 13 October. Visit ISTH online at www.isth.org.

CONTACT:

Melissa DiMercurio

ISTH Media Relations Manager

+1 (301) 992-6984

Melissa_dimercurio@isth.org

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