Authors' recommendations: There was no evidence in the literature searched pertaining to the clinical or cost-effectiveness of LMWHs versus warfarin for long-term primary prevention of VTE. However, findings from four publications comparing the clinical efficacy and cost-effectiveness of LMWHs versus warfarin for long-term treatment and secondary prevention of VTE suggest that LMWHs may be as effective as warfarin to prevent recurrent VTE, and more effective than warfarin in a specific population of cancer patients, without increasing the risk of bleeding. However, findings should be interpreted in light of the various limitations identified. Despite higher acquisition costs, dalteparin may be cost-effective compared to warfarin in cancer patients; no economic evidence was identified for other individual agents.

Project Status: Completed

Year Published: 2013

URL for published report: http://www.cadth.ca/media/pdf/htis/jun-2013/RC0455%20-%20LMWH%20for%20DVT%20or%20PE%20Final%20%20ABS.pdf

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: Canada

Organisation Name: Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health

Contact Address: 600-865 Carling Avenue, Ottawa, ON K1S 5S8 Canada. Tel: +1 613 226 2553; Fax: +1 613 226 5392;

Contact Name: requests@cadth.ca

Contact Email: requests@cadth.ca

Copyright: Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health (CADTH)