Elderly patients currently using the blood-thinning drug Innohep are being urged to seek out alternative treatments after a study determined the medication may increase the risk of death.

Though the possible harmful side effects of Innohep were discovered last year, drug manufacturer Celgene sent an updated warning last week about how the risk now applies to elderly patients suffering from renal insufficiency.

Celgene sent out a similar letter last year in July that stated the risk only applied to patients aged 90 years or older.

In the study, conducted in February of 2008, a total of 176 participants were given Innohep to treat their blood clotting, NewsInferno.com reports. After three months, 13 percent of them had died.

As of October 15th, 2008, the FDA had received approximately 383 reports worldwide of Innohep side effects, including at least 96 Innohep-related deaths, according to the article. The FDA is scheduled to receive an updated report which will complete their review of the Innohelp death risk some time this month.

People interested in an alternative to Innohep for blood clotting may want to look into natural supplements such as fish oils or adding ginger to their diets to treat their condition.