The first medication developed to combat flight-related deep-vein thrombosis (DVT) has just been launched.
'Flite Tabs' cost £19.95 for eight pills (call 0845 456 0810 or order at www.flitetabs.co.uk). The pills contain soya, a naturally occurring anticoagulant that thins the blood, and pine bark, an anti-inflammatory that reduces veiling in blood vessels.
They have been endorsed by researchers at G d'Annunzio university in Italy, who have been investigating DVT for 20 years. The team, led by professor Gianni Belcaro, tested the medication on 186 passengers flying from London to New York on seven flights in the summer of 2003.
The research found that the pills were effective in reducing the incidence of flight-related DVT high-risk subjects on seven- to eight-hour flights. This included pregnant women, those on the pill or taking HRT, and anyone who has recently undergone surgery.
Ingredients in these pills will reduce the likelihood of clotting and offer a less dangerous alternative to aspirin. The research is to be published in early 2004.
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