ENOXAPARIN or FONDAPARINUX CHOOSE YOUR ANTITHROMBOTIC AGENT

For many years unfractionated heparin (UFH) was the only antithrombotic agent available in the United States. However, during the past decade new antithrombotic agents have become available. Th e fi rst of these agents were the low-molecular weight heparins (LMWHs) followed more recently by the direct anti-Xa inhibitors, of which only fondaparinux is available in the United States. Low-molecular weight heparins have replaced the use of unfractionated heparin in Europe and in many cases in the United States, primarily on the basis of convenience of use and a lower incidence of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia.