Acenocoumarol is a coumarin-like anticoagulant forming part of the class of drugs known as vitamin K antagonists. These drugs make it more difficult for blood to clump together, reducing the risk of thrombosis.
Acenocoumarol is prescribed following a heart attack, stroke or TIA, as well as to treat thrombosis and cardiac arrhythmia.
Acenocoumarol and the benefit of DNA analysis
The rate at which acenocoumarol is processed within your body varies from one individual to another. This means that the efficacy and side effects of acenocoumarol can be predicted to some extent on the basis of your genes. DNA analysis can therefore be an important tool in optimising your medication.
Acenocoumarol and the enzyme VKORC1
Acenocoumarol is processed within the body primarily by the enzyme VKORC1. The activity of this enzyme can vary considerably depending on your genetic predisposition, which means the efficacy of acenocoumarol can also differ from person to person.
Information about your genetic predisposition may therefore provide grounds for extra vigilance in relation to the effectiveness of the treatment, for adjustment of the dose or for more frequent checks by the thrombosis clinic.
Read more about VKORC1 enzyme »
Also known as
Acenocoumarin, Acenocoumarolum, Acenocumarol, Acenocumarolo, Acenokumarin, Nicoumalone, Nicumalon, Nitrovarfarian, Nitrowarfarin, Ascumar, Sintrom, Sinkumar