Long-Term Blood Thinner Use: What You Need to Know

Blood thinners, also known as anticoagulants, are medications that help prevent blood clots from forming. They work by interfering with the body's clotting process.

Why are blood thinners prescribed?

Blood thinners are prescribed for a variety of conditions, including:

* Atrial fibrillation (a heart rhythm disorder)

* Deep vein thrombosis (DVT, a blood clot in a deep vein)

* Pulmonary embolism (PE, a blood clot in the lungs)

* Heart attack

* Stroke

* Certain types of cancer

What are the different types of blood thinners?

There are two main types of blood thinners:

* Warfarin (Coumadin): This is a vitamin K antagonist, which means it works by blocking the body's ability to use vitamin K. Vitamin K is essential for the production of clotting factors, so blocking its action can help prevent blood clots from forming.

* Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs): These are newer blood thinners that work by directly inhibiting specific clotting factors. DOACs include apixaban (Eliquis), dabigatran (Pradaxa), edoxaban (Savaysa), and rivaroxaban (Xarelto).

How are blood thinners taken?

Warfarin is taken by mouth, usually once or twice a day. The dose of warfarin is determined by your doctor based on your individual needs.

DOACs are also taken by mouth, usually once or twice a day. The dose of a DOAC is determined by your doctor based on your individual needs.

What are the side effects of blood thinners?

The most common side effect of blood thinners is bleeding. This is because blood thinners make it more difficult for your blood to clot. Other side effects of blood thinners can include:

* Nausea

* Vomiting

* Diarrhea

* Rash

* Headache

* Dizziness

* Fatigue

What are the risks of long-term blood thinner use?

The main risk of long-term blood thinner use is an increased risk of bleeding. This is especially true if you are taking warfarin, which has a narrow therapeutic index. This means that there is a small difference between the dose that is effective and the dose that can cause bleeding.

Other risks of long-term blood thinner use can include:

* Skin discoloration

* Hair loss

* Erectile dysfunction

* Liver damage

* Kidney damage

How can I reduce the risks of long-term blood thinner use?

There are several things you can do to reduce the risks of long-term blood thinner use, including:

* Take your blood thinner exactly as prescribed. Do not skip or double up on doses.

* Tell your doctor about all of your medications, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements.

* Avoid activities that could cause you to bleed, such as contact sports and using sharp objects.

* Be aware of the signs of bleeding, such as:

* Red or black stools

* Bruises that appear easily or do not go away

* Bleeding gums

* Nosebleeds

* Heavy menstrual bleeding

* If you experience any signs of bleeding, call your doctor immediately.

Long-term blood thinner use can be safe and effective, but it is important to be aware of the risks and to take steps to reduce them.

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