Argatroban: a new option for heparin-induced thrombocytopenia type II

摘要

ARGATROBAN, a new antithrombotic therapy, has been launched for the treatment of adults with heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) type II who need parenteral treatment. Marketed as Exembol (Mitsubishi Pharma Europe), the drug is a selective, direct thrombin inhibitor administered via intravenous infusion. Diagnosis of HIT type II should be confirmed using the heparin-induced platelet activation assay, but should not delay the start of treatment.