What Are Anticoagulants?
Anticoagulants, commonly known as blood thinners, are medications that help prevent blood clots from forming or growing larger. These medicines work by interfering with the body's natural blood clotting process.
Common Types of Anticoagulants
Vitamin K Antagonists
-
Warfarin (Coumadin®)
- Oldest and most widely used
- Requires regular blood monitoring
- Interacts with many foods and medications
Direct Oral Anticoagulants (DOACs)
-
Apixaban (Eliquis®)
-
Rivaroxaban (Xarelto®)
-
Dabigatran (Pradaxa®)
Why Are They Prescribed?
- Prevent stroke in atrial fibrillation
- Treat deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
- Prevent blood clots after surgery
- Treat pulmonary embolism
- Manage artificial heart valves
Important Safety Considerations
Bleeding Risks
- Watch for unusual bruising
- Report any unusual bleeding
- Take extra precautions during activities
Monitoring Requirements
-
Warfarin: Regular INR blood tests
-
DOACs: Less frequent monitoring needed
Lifestyle Considerations
- Maintain consistent vitamin K intake if on warfarin
- Avoid contact sports
- Inform all healthcare providers
- Wear medical alert jewelry
When to Seek Medical Help
- Severe bleeding
- Fall or head injury
- Blood in urine or stools
- Severe headache
Drug Interactions
- Always check with healthcare provider before starting new medications
- Avoid certain over-the-counter medicines
- Discuss all supplements and herbal remedies