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B BLOOD AND BLOOD FORMING ORGANS
B01 ANTITHROMBOTIC AGENTS
B01A ANTITHROMBOTIC AGENTS

B01AA Vitamin K antagonists

This group comprises vitamin K antagonists such as dicoumarol, warfarin etc.

The DDDs are based on prophylaxis of thrombosis.

B01AB Heparin group

This group comprises heparin preparations, including products for non-therapeutic use, e.g. for rinsing of indwelling vein cannulas. Heparin sodium and heparin calcium are classified at the same 5th level, i.e. B01AB01. The low molecular weight heparins are classified at separate 5th levels.

Both human-derived and recombinant products of antithrombin III are classified in B01AB02.

The DDDs of nonfractionated heparin and antithrombin are based on prophylaxis of thrombosis and pulmonary emboli, and given in international units (U). The DDDs for the different low molecular weight heparins are assigned according to their recommended dose in prophylaxis of deep vein thrombosis in moderate risk patients. Since the anti Xa activity is a major determinant of the anticoagulant activity of low molecular weight heparins the DDDs are given in international units based on anti Xa activity.
The DDD for sulodexide is expressed in lipoprotein lipase releasing units (LSU).

B01AC Platelet aggregation inhibitors excl. heparin

Acetylsalicylic acid preparations specifically intended for use as antithrombotic agents are classified in this group. This exception from the basic principle of only one code for each route of administration is made because of the extensive use of acetylsalicylic acid both as an antithrombotic agent and as an analgesic. Whether an acetylsalicylic acid product should be classified in this group or in N02BA, should be decided at the national level based on the main indication of the product.
Lysine acetylsalicylate is classified at the same 5th level as acetylsalicylic acid.
Sulfinpyrazone is classified in M04AB. Alprostadil is classified in C01EA and G04BE.
Combinations of acetylsalicylic acid and rivaroxaban are classified in B01AF.
Combinations of acetylsalicylic acid and statins are classified in C10BX.
Combinations of acetylsalicylic acid, ACE inhibitors and statins are classified in C10BX.
Combinations of acetylsalicylic acid and beta blocking agents are classified in C07FX.
Prostaglandines are classified in this group while other agents used for pulmonary arterial hypertension are classified in C02KX or in G04BE.

The DDDs are based on prophylaxis of thrombosis. The DDDs of acetylsalicylic acid and carbasalate calcium are given as 1 tablet independent of tablet strength. This is due to the great variations between different countries in the dosages/strengths recommended for prophylaxis of thrombosis.
The DDD of iloprost is based on treatment of peripheral vascular disease.
The DDD of vorapaxar is based on the content of one tablet (2.08 mg).
The DDD of selexipag is based on treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension.
For combinations products, see list of DDDs for combinations, www.whocc.no.

B01AD Enzymes

This group includes proenzymes and enzyme replacement therapies.

The DDDs of streptokinase, alteplase, anistreplase and reteplase are based on thrombolytic treatment in connection with acute myocardial infarction. The DDD of urokinase is based on treatment of acute lung emboli. The DDDs are either expressed in international units or gram.

B01AE Direct thrombin inhibitors

The DDD for dabigatran etexilate is based on treatment of patients with NVAF (nonvalvular atrial fibrillation).

B01AF Direct factor Xa inhibitors

The DDDs are based on the treatment of patients with NVAF (nonvalvular atrial fibrillation).

B01AX Other antithrombotic agents

The DDD for caplacizumab is 10 mg (P) based on the European labelling and equivalent to 11 mg in the USA labelling.

Last updated: 2024-01-26