Fragmin

[Nancy]

In discussions with Joe's cardiologists at the teaching center here, I have asked about what type of bridge therapy they recommend. Since Joe had a major post-surgical bleedout (non-heart) which could conceivably have been exacerbated by Lovenox bridge therapy, we are concerned about which bridge therapy would be used, if surgery is ever warranted again.

Apparently they use Fragmin at the teaching hospital, not Lovenox.

I was just wondering if there is a difference in the action, or why one group of doctors would choose Lovenox, and another choose Fragmin.

 

[Guest]

The difference is about the same as between Ford and Chevrolet. Some swear by each and some swear at each.

There are some minor differences between Lovenox and Fragmin. Lovenox got to market first. They also have an easier dose to remember.

An interesting sidelight about Fragmin. One of the unit clerks at our hospital got hired as a sales rep when Upjohn was the company that owned Fragmin. She immediately started taking every training class and difficult assignment that she could get. Within 5 years she was an executive of the company in New York with a company limo to haul her around. I never knew her very well but I know her brother and sister very well.

 

[LUVMyBirman]

Interesting. Nancy...wonder why they felt Fragmin would be any less dangerous for Joe given the history? Good question to present next time it comes up.

With Lovenox..I may have had a small bleed in one of my finger joints. They drew and RFand inflamation was present in my body at the time. Most likely the rheumathoid.

Ahhhhh, the joys of having other conditions to deal with on top of the valve.

 

[Nancy]

Hi Gina-

I don't think it was a recommendation for Joe, it was just that they said they used it in general instead of Lovenox.

 

[Guest]

The Fragmin people have gone after a lot of major medical centers with aggressive pricing.

 

[Nancy]

Oh, now I understand $$$$$

 

[ALCapshaw2]

$$$$$ makes the world go round, world go round...

 

[Guest]

Last week in th Wall Street Journal there was an article about how drug research has changed from what diseases can we cure to what disease will make a lot of money for the company.