Efficacy and safety of argatroban and bivalirudine in patients with suspected heparin-induced thrombocytopenia.

Background: Argatroban is the only commercially available Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved anticoagulant for managing heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT). However, bivalirudin may be an attractive alternative.

Objective: To assess the efficacy and safety of argatroban and bivalirudin in patients with suspected HIT.

Clinical consequences of disseminating the rosiglitazone FDA safety warning.

Background: On May 21, 2007, a safety alert was widely disseminated through the media and US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) MedWatch concerning a possible increased risk of ischemic myocardial infarction and cardiovascular death in people receiving the antidiabetic drug rosiglitazone.

Objective: To determine whether notification of patients and providers about an FDA safety warning influenced the decision to discontinue rosiglitazone therapy and the resulting effect on glycemic control.

Study Design: Retrospective electronic medical record (EMR) review.