Anticoagulant

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• QWho should take an anticoagulant?

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  A Univ. of Nev. School of Medicine, Family Medicine answered

  People who should regularly take an anticoagulant, or blood thinner, include those who have had a DVT (deep vein thrombosis), PE (pulmonary embolism), or an irregular heart beat (Afib for example).

• QWhat are some safety tips when taking anticoagulants?

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  A Intermountain Healthcare answered

  When you are taking anticoagulants, you need to be careful about foods and other medications that may interact with them. Be sure to do the following:

  • Check with your doctor before starting or stopping any other medications, including prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, or supplements.
  • If you are taking anticoagulant medications, do not take aspirin, medications that contain aspirin, or pain relievers known as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (ibuprofen, Advil, or Aleve). You may take acetaminophen (Tylenol).
  • If you are taking Coumadin, be very consistent about the amount of foods containing vitamin K that you eat. Ask your doctor or nurse for more information.
  • Tell all your healthcare providers, including your dentist, that you're taking anticoagulants. They need to know this before prescribing anything else.
• QWhat are side effects of anticoagulants?

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  A Intermountain Healthcare answered

  Normal side effects of anticoagulants can include:

  • Bruising
  • Prolonged bleeding from small cuts
  • Nosebleeds
  • Headache
  • Bloated or crampy stomach
  • Loss of appetite

  Contact your doctor if you experience:

  • Headache that is not relieved by pain medication
  • Large areas of bruising
  • Nosebleeds that won't stop
  • Rash or hives
• QWhat are anticoagulants?

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  A SCAI answered

  Anticoagulants are medications that prevent blood from clotting, thereby reducing the chance of a heart attack or stroke. Anticoagulants are prescribed for patients who have had a heart attack or stroke, deep vein thrombosis, or who have had a stent placement.

  Examples of Anticoagulants:

  • warfarin (Coumadin)
  • heparin
  • lovenox

   

  See All 3 Answers
• QHow are anticoagulants used?

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  A RealAge answered

  Anticoagulants are medications that inhibit blood clotting. While they cannot dissolve an existing clot, they help prevent the formation of new clots and can keep existing clots from getting larger while the body dissolves the blood clot. Heparin is a fast-acting anticoagulant given either intravenously (IV) or via injection. Warfarin (coumadin) is a slow-acting anticoagulant taken by mouth.

  If your doctor prescribes anticoagulant therapy to treat or prevent blood clots, you'll receive heparin (fast-acting) and warfarin (slow-acting) simultaneously. Once warfarin levels build up sufficiently in the blood, heparin can be stopped while warfarin treatment continues for the remainder of the anticoagulant therapy. Newer agents like enoxaprin are also now being used. Others include rivaroxaban, fondaparinux and apixaban. Consult your doctor to see which medication may be best suited for you.

  The length of anticoagulant therapy depends on a person's risk factors and whether they are temporary. Some people receive anticoagulant therapy for a few months while others require life-long anticoagulant therapy.

• QAre there some tips on taking warfarin for atrial fibrillation?

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  A Dr. Douglas E. Severance, MD , Family Medicine, answered

  Warfarin (Coumadin) is a common blood thinner that's prescribed for people with atrial fibrillation. Because of the increased chance of blood clots and stroke with atrial fibrillation, keeping your blood thin is an important preventive measure. If you take warfarin or another anti-coagulant, be aware of activities and situations to avoid that can cause bleeding, including:
  
  -Avoid recreational activities such as football, soccer, or other sports that may result in a cut, injury, or open wound.
  -Use a soft toothbrush to brush your teeth to avoid cutting or injuring your gums.
  -Use an electric razor to avoid cutting your skin when shaving.
  -Prevent falling at home by removing objects out of the halls and pathways and having good lighting.
  -Don't climb on stools or ladders.
  -Don't walk on wet surfaces or icy ground.
  
  Also, check for signs of bleeding, including your gums bleeding, blood in the urine, bloody or black stools, vomiting blood, or heavy bleeding during a woman's period or between periods.

• QWhat should I tell my doctor before getting anticoagulant injections?

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  A Intermountain Healthcare answered

  Before you begin anticoagulant injections, tell your doctor if you:
  
        • have bleeding problems, kidney disease, liver disease, ulcers,
          stomach problems, or intestine problems
        • are currently pregnant or breastfeeding, or are trying to become
          pregnant
        • have had a recent surgery
        • have had a stroke
        • have ever had heart valve problems or heart valve surgery
        • are allergic to any medications
        • are allergic to pork products, since some anticoagulant
          medications are made from pigs. (Note: If you have dietary laws
          against pork, talk to your religious leader. In Judaism, dietary laws
          against pork-based products do not apply to injected
          medications.)
  
  You should also tell your doctor about any other medication you take, including over-the-counter remedies, herbs, and supplements.