In a randomised noninferiority trial the oral direct thrombin inhibitor dabigatran was compared with warfarin in patients with venous thromboembolic disease (VTE) after acute treatment with parenteral anticoagulation. Recurrent VTE and major bleeding rates were similar in the two groups. Dabigatran has the advantage of not requiring blood monitoring.
Dabigatran versus Warfarin in the Treatment of Acute Venous Thromboembolism
N Engl J Med. 2009 Dec 10;361(24):2342-52