ICD-9 Code E934.2

Information for Patients

What are blood thinners?

Blood thinners are medicines that prevent blood clots from forming. They do not break up clots that you already have. But they can stop those clots from getting bigger. It's important to treat blood clots, because clots in your blood vessels and heart can cause heart attacks, strokes, and blockages.

Who needs blood thinners?

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

What are the different types of blood thinners?

There are different types of blood thinners:

• Anticoagulants, such as heparin or warfarin (also called Coumadin), slow down your body's process of making clots.
• Antiplatelets, such as aspirin and clopidogrel, prevent blood cells called platelets from clumping together to form a clot. Antiplatelets are mainly taken by people who have had a heart attack or stroke.

How can I take blood thinners safely?

When you take a blood thinner, follow the directions carefully. Blood thinners may interact with certain foods, medicines, vitamins, and alcohol. Make sure that your health care provider knows all of the medicines and supplements you are using.

You may need regular blood tests to check how well your blood is clotting. It is important to make sure that you're taking enough medicine to prevent clots, but not so much that it causes bleeding.

What are the side effects of blood thinners?

Bleeding is the most common side effect of blood thinners. They can also cause an upset stomach, nausea, and diarrhea.

Other possible side effects can depend on which type of blood thinner that you are taking.

Call your provider if you have any sign of serious bleeding, such as:

• Menstrual bleeding that is much heavier than normal
• Red or brown urine
• Bowel movements that are red or black
• Bleeding from the gums or nose that does not stop quickly
• Vomit that is brown or bright red
• Coughing up something red
• Severe pain, such as a headache or stomachache
• Unusual bruising
• A cut that does not stop bleeding
• A serious fall or bump on the head
• Dizziness or weakness

Most of the time, medicines make our lives better. They reduce aches and pains, fight infections, and control problems such as high blood pressure or diabetes. But medicines can also cause unwanted reactions, such as drug interactions, side effects, and allergies.

What is a drug interaction?

A drug interaction is a change in the way a drug acts in the body when taken with certain other drugs, foods, or supplements or when taken while you have certain medical conditions. Examples include:

• Two drugs, such as aspirin and blood thinners
• Drugs and food, such as statins and grapefruit
• Drugs and supplements, such as gingko and blood thinners
• Drugs and medical conditions, such as aspirin and peptic ulcers

Interactions could cause a drug to be more or less effective, cause side effects, or change the way one or both drugs work.

What are side effects?

Side effects are unwanted, usually unpleasant, effects caused by medicines. Most are mild, such as a stomachache, dry mouth, or drowsiness, and go away after you stop taking the medicine. Others can be more serious. Sometimes a drug can interact with a disease that you have and cause a side effect. For example, if you have a heart condition, certain decongestants can cause you to have a rapid heartbeat.

What are drug allergies?

Drug allergies are another type of reaction. They can range from mild to life-threatening. Skin reactions, such as hives and rashes, are the most common type. Anaphylaxis, a serious allergic reaction, is less common.

How can I stay safe when taking medicines?

When you start a new prescription or over-the-counter medicine, make sure you understand how to take it correctly. Know which other medicines, foods, and supplements you need to avoid. Always talk to your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions about your medicines.