Factor X inhibitor

The factor X inhibitors are anticoagulants administered either orally or through the skin. They are used to prevent venous thrombo-embolic events in patients undergoing planned total hip or knee replacement.

How do the factor X inhibitors work?

Factor X is a protein involved in haemostasis, the process which stops bleeding. An essential part of blood coagulation … Factor X inhibitors therefore act selectively on this protein which plays a major role in the metabolic "cascade" leading to thrombus formation.

Do they have contraindications or precautions?

Like all of the anticoagulants, patients must be closely monitored because of the risk of bleeding. Factor X inhibitors must also be used with caution in patients with severe renal impairment. On the other hand they do not require multiple daily measurements of the APTT (Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time), unlike the other anticoagulants.

Source:

• Interview with Dr Yannick Béjot, (Dijon University Hospital), 15 June 2011
• French National Health Authority.