More than 4 million Americans take blood thinners. By reducing clotting, these medications can be lifesaving for those who suffer from blood clots in the leg or lungs. People with artificial heart valves or atrial fibrillation (a type of irregular heart rhythm) also depend on blood thinners.
But it’s important to know that blood thinners have a record of harmful side effects as well. In fact, warfarin (also known as Coumadin), a commonly prescribed blood thinner, has made the FDA’s Top 10 list of drugs with the greatest number of “adverse events.” Warfarin’s most common side effect is internal bleeding. (Prolonged bleeding from cuts and gums is a sign of overdose.)
More than $900 million worth of prescriptions for blood thinners are filled annually. If your doctor prescribes one for you, learn how to use it safely. Be aware that other medications—and even certain foods—can cause negative interactions.
7 Guidelines for Using Blood Thinners Safely
Blood thinners save lives, but they need to be used with caution and awareness. Here are some guidelines to using them safely.
1. Beware of interactions. Many medications and certain types of foods can interfere with the action of the drug. Find out which foods may negatively interact with the drug you’re taking, and always tell other doctors you are taking a blood thinner.
2. Get your blood checked regularly. You need to make sure it has not become too thin, thus putting you at risk for more bleeding — or not thin enough, increasing the risk of clots.
3. Alert your doctor if you notice any bleeding from your gums, in your urine, or stool. Also, notify your doctor if you see any unusual bruising.
4. A severe pain in your stomach or a headache should be checked immediately.
5. Get immediate medical attention if you fall or seriously bump your head.
6. Consider a new genetic test, which is now available to help predict how your body might respond to the blood-thinning drug. Ask you doctor if it’s right for you.