After the acute phase, deep vein thrombosis of the lower extremities still requires continued maintenance therapy along with anticoagulants. Long-term use of the drug is intended to minimize the chance of recurrent deep vein thrombosis and the development of potentially life-threatening pulmonary embolism complications. The duration of maintenance therapy will be considered on a case-by-case basis, based on whether the risk factors for deep vein thrombosis of the lower extremities continue or resolve.