New generation of blood-thinning drugs found safe for older adults

Older people are not at higher risk of harmful complications from taking the newest generation of blood-thinning drugs (anticoagulants), says a study in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.

The new anticoagulants are apixaban (Eliquis), dabigatran (Pradaxa), and rivaroxaban (Xarelto). They are alternatives to warfarin (Coumadin), still the leading medication for preventing blood clots that can cause strokes.

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