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.