Your blood needs to flow non-stop all through the system to help you lead a healthy life. But it also needs to clot when there is an injury or if there is an open wound. Thus, clotting of blood is required to stop profuse bleeding from the injured site or organ. However, an irregular flow of blood due to clotting of blood can lead to a few cardiac conditions. The odds of a stroke are relatively high when clots form in blood. Blood thinning drugs are meds that ensure a smooth flow of blood. They are used mainly to prevent blood from clotting or to avoid clots becoming bigger in size. But, these meds can pose a few risks; you are advised to know the risks associated with the use of blood thinning drugs.
Your body naturally has vitamin K, made in the liver to clot your blood. Along with this K-vitamin, proteins known as clotting-factors are essential for your blood to clot. These proteins as well as vitamin play a crucial role in making blood cells to merge together. Blood thinning drugs thus ensure smoother flow of blood into your veins and arteries. An interrupted flow of blood is a prerequisite to cardiac wellbeing as well as your overall health. Contrary to popular belief, these drugs do not thin your blood. They basically ensure blood flow remains smooth and also can slowdown or inhibit the further development of already-formed clots.
Likely signs of blood clots
The typical signs of blood clots are inflammation of limbs – hands as well as legs, discoloration of skin – especially in the affected part, softening of the skin (again, at the affected region) as well as incidence of pain. However, these signs are likely to change if the clot is present deep inside your veins. Such clots may adversely influence the functioning of your brain and heart. The typical symptoms include pain in your chest / angina, wheezing or gasping for breath, feeling excessively dizzy, migraines or headaches.
Two distinctive types of blood thinning drugs
There are two unique types of blood thinning drugs namely, antiplatelet meds and anticoagulants. The first category targets platelets and makes them stay apart; in essence, the drug helps platelets from forming clots. They are mostly available as orally consumed tablets. The most popular antiplatelet drugs include clopidogrel, aspirin, tirofiban, prasugrel, etc. On the other hand, anticoagulants are given as shots. They may also be administered intravenously. The primary function of this med is to keep blood from clotting and prevent them from turning into clumps. These clots are due to cells in the blood coming together and getting bound as one. Most commonly prescribed blood thinning meds are dabigatran, warfarin, heparin, etc.
Side effects of blood thinning drugs
Some of these blood thinning drugs are known to trigger a few side effects. But, you need to understand that your doctor has prescribed blood thinning drugs mainly to treat the underlying clinical condition. Also, these drugs are prescribed as their benefits far exceed the risks of side effects.
Common side effects of blood thinning drugs are formation of rashes on skin, bruising, bleeding, etc. These drugs may also cause a few very adverse side effects like bleeding from nasal passages or gums, formation of blisters on skin, coughing and throwing up blood, discoloration of stools (stool turns into black, brown or red), discharge of darkened urine etc. Among women, these drugs are likely to cause a heavy loss of blood during menstrual cycles or make them have prolonged periods. Other side effects may include loss of hair, muscular weariness, severe spells of dizziness, etc.
If you witness one or more of these side effects, you are advised to seek medical attention without delay. People living in the US are advised to call 911 right away. You may also consider reaching out to the emergency helpline numbers of the food and drug administration (FDA). This is because – FDA tracks drugs – that are approved by this agency – for the purpose of patient safety; this agency’s helpline can get needful medical attention for you on an urgent basis. On the other hand, if you are living in any of the Canadian provinces – you can establish contact with Health Canada or rush to the closest poison control center as soon as you possibly can.
How to avoid internal bleeding – a common and serious side effect of blood thinning drugs?
A minor cut or a nick is not a matter of serious concern for most people. But, for those who are taking blood thinning drugs such as say, heparin or warfarin, a small cut can prove to be a serious condition. You may experience a cut while mincing vegetables or while shaving. You are advised not to take such nicks or cuts as a minor condition; if you are taking blood thinners, these cuts can prove to be fatal. Talk to your doctor, dietitian and pharmacist to know how to prevent likely bleeding.
Intake of a few medications may lead to blood loss
Medications such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) – like naproxen, ibuprofen, etc. are likely to boost the chances of bruising as well as bleeding. Also, supplements of fatty acids – like omega-3 fats, may render more powers to blood thinners. It is hence essential to tell your treating doctor about all the other drugs and supplements that you are currently taking. As a safety measure, it is highly recommended to prepare a list of all medications as well as treatment plans that you are presently pursuing. Once you have shared this list with your medical team, never change any drugs or dosages from it.
Likely interactions between blood thinning drugs and a few co-administered medications
It is important to keep your doctor updated of other medicines or supplements that you are presently consuming. You need to consult with your treating physician prior to taking drugs with aspirin in them. Also, many over the counter (OTC) drugs may also adversely interact with blood thinners. These include cough and cold medicines, pain relieving meds as well as medications used for stomach disorders. A few vitamins or multivitamin supplements are also likely to work adversely if co-administered with blood thinning meds. In general, it is important to check with your pharmacist or physician every time you are taking a new medication.
Never engage in risky activities
There are a few activities which may lead to potential injuries; these include sky diving, playing rugby or bungee jumping. You also need to stay away from any contact sports as well as high-risk recreation activities like skiing. You are advised to pursue hobbies like walking, swimming or other such contact-less activities; these are generally considered as safe. In general, you are advised to take part in sports with low levels of risks; above all, wear protective gear like a pair of strong shoes, gloves and a helmet. It is equally essential to stay away from using sharp edged instruments such as scissors, knives, blades, etc.
A few other precautions like – using a softer toothbrush (to avoid possible bleeding while cleaning your teeth), staying away from toothpicks, avoiding razors (instead, opt to shave with electric razors) and use of anti-skid footwear or wearing shoes while you step out. Those who are planning to undergo a surgical intervention need to inform about their intake of blood thinners. Also, those who are opting for dental procedures need to tell their dentist about their medication plans. Your medical team may tell you to stop taking blood thinners a few days prior to your surgical or dental interventions. Those who continue to take blood thinners may witness excessive loss of blood during surgeries. If you need any additional clarifications, consult your doctor or surgeon and pharmacist about the likely risks involved.
Take a suitable diet
Your dietitian may tell you to avoid foods with large amounts of K-vitamin in them. Intake of foods such as broccoli, kale, spinach, cabbage, lettuce, greens (of mustard or turnip) and green tea may need to be avoided. A few types of fluids can enhance the effects of blood thinning drugs; these include juice of cranberry, alcohol, etc. A few herbal products may also have to be avoided; these include cloves, ginseng, oil of evening primrose, etc.
Food items which are rich in E-vitamin are considered to have anticoagulant properties. These include olive oil, seeds of sunflower, soy, almonds, mango, corn or corn flour. Apart from these, some natural foods also serve as blood thinning substances – these are ginger, garlic and seeds of celery. Consumption of these natural foods may strengthen the properties of drugs like warfarin, heparin, etc. In general, you need to share details about the foods you regularly take; always remember that these details are to be shared prior to starting your medication plan.
Who may require blood thinning drugs?
Among these two categories of blood thinners, antiplatelet meds are generally not as strong as anticoagulant drugs. Antiplatelet meds inhibit platelets to bind and cling to the inner linings of your blood vessels. These drugs are prescribed to those who run the risk of a likely blood clot; in other words, it is seldom used on those who already have blood clots. People who have experienced a heart attack may be advised to take it to prevent another cardiac arrest. Also, those living with diseases associated with blood vessels or erratic heart beats may also need these meds. In general, those who have had an artificial cardiac valve or those living with obesity / overweight may also require blood thinning drugs.
Last but not the least, it is a safe practice to check your blood samples if you are taking blood thinning drugs. It is very important to take these drugs as directed by your medical team. A few people take a double dose or an overdose of these drugs; in such instances, the odds of internal bleeding tend to go high. If you have missed a dose, try to take it as soon as you could remember it. But, if the next dose is already coming up close, never take a double dose. Check with your pharmacist upon missing a dose and how to get back to your medication plan or regimen.
In sum, the most common side effects of blood thinning drugs include rashes on skin, internal bleeding and bruising. Very serious side effects are blisters on skin, throwing up blood, reddening of stools, etc. Women may witness significant discharge of blood during menstrual periods. If you experience any of these side effects, call 911 as soon as possible. Those living in Canada need to establish contact with Health Canada without delay. For all other inputs, it is always safe to talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
Education: Master’s in Clinical Nutrition from Tufts University. Experience: 6 years of experience as a registered dietitian and freelance writer, creating content on nutritional science and weight management for various health websites.
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