Reversal of oral anticoagulation with prothrombin complex concentrate (Octaplex)

Oral anticoagulant therapy with vitamin K antagonists may need to be rapidly reversed if acute bleeding occurs or surgical intervention is required. This can most effectively be achieved by administering prothrombin complex concentrates (PCCs), which correct the INR more quickly than fresh frozen plasma without the problem of volume overload. Octaplex, a virus-inactivated PCC containing balanced potencies of coagulation factors and the regulating proteins C and S, was developed with the intention of making a rapid contribution to coagulation whilst limiting the risk of thrombosis.