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What they are
Blood thinners are medicines that prevent blood clots from forming. They don't break up clots you already have, but they can stop them getting bigger. Treating clots matters, because clots in the blood vessels and heart can cause heart attacks, strokes and blockages.
Who needs them
You may need a blood thinner if you have:
- certain heart or blood vessel diseases;
- an abnormal heart rhythm called atrial fibrillation;
- a heart valve replacement;
- a risk of blood clots after surgery;
- congenital heart defects.
The two kinds
| Kind | Examples | How they work |
|---|---|---|
| Anticoagulants | heparin, warfarin (also called Coumadin) | slow down the body's process of making clots |
| Antiplatelets | aspirin, clopidogrel | stop blood cells called platelets from clumping into a clot; taken mainly by people who have had a heart attack or stroke |
Taking them safely
- Follow the directions carefully.
- Watch for interactions: blood thinners can interact with some foods, medicines, vitamins and alcohol. Make sure your provider knows every medicine and supplement you take.
- Get tested: you may need regular blood tests to check how well your blood is clotting — enough medicine to prevent clots, but not so much that it causes bleeding.
Side effects
Bleeding is the most common. Blood thinners can also cause an upset stomach, nausea and diarrhea, and other side effects depending on the type.
Call your provider if you have any sign of serious bleeding, such as:
- menstrual bleeding much heavier than normal;
- red or brown urine;
- red or black bowel movements;
- bleeding from the gums or nose that doesn't stop quickly;
- brown or bright red vomit;
- coughing up something red;
- severe pain, such as a headache or stomachache;
- unusual bruising;
- a cut that won't stop bleeding;
- a serious fall or a bump on the head;
- dizziness or weakness.
Sources
Based on "Blood Thinners," MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine; a work of the United States government in the public domain.
Licens: CC0 1.0 (offentligt eje) · Bearbejdet efter medlineplus.gov
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