Anti-inflammatory meds are widely used for treating different kinds of pains. These meds can help treat headaches, cramps, autoimmune problems such as arthritis, and toothache. Such drugs are also administered to treat pains triggered by common cold or flu as well as fever. Essential compounds present in them can block enzymes that cause inflammation. This action enables an effective treatment of pains. But, what anti-inflammatory meds can I take with blood thinners? It is important to have more details.
Important ingredients of anti-inflammatory meds are known to hinder enzymes that make a natural chemical known as prostaglandin. Prostaglandins are responsible for making your body to witness swelling, a way for your system to heal naturally. Owing to this, anti-inflammatory drugs are widely used to manage spells of headaches, painful joints, back pains, cramping of muscles etc.
What are blood thinners?
Clotting of blood may trigger disturbances to smooth blood flow. Clots may block your blood from accessing vital organs such as heart, lungs or brain. This can cause thrombosis and may also lead to strokes. Ingredients of blood thinners help avoid blood cells from joining together to form a clot. Some forms of blood thinners help delay clots from forming.
Blood thinning meds are also labelled as anticoagulant drugs. Most widely administered blood thinning drugs include heparin, enoxaparin and warfarin. New generation drugs in this genre pose lower risks of problems linked to internal bruising or bleeding. Such new generation drugs are dabigatran, apixaban, etc.
What anti-inflammatory meds can I take with blood thinners?
Those who are consuming blood thinning meds need to know that anti-inflammatory meds can influence the way platelets are known to function. Owing to this, intake of anti-inflammatories can meddle with how your blood clots. As a result, the odds of internal bleeding, especially in the gastric tract tend to go high.
People who take blood thinners and anti-inflammatories together tend to face added risks of internal bleeding. It is a safe practice to tell your doctor if your medication plan includes either of these genre of drugs. In general, those who are advised to take blood thinning drugs must know that their options to control pain are quite limited.
Instead of prescribing anti-inflammatory meds, your caregiving team may recommend physical therapies or such other drug-free approaches. However, there is an absolute necessity to take a painkiller, alternatives such as acetaminophen are used. You are advised not to take an overdose of acetaminophen as larger dosages can inflict damages to your liver.
Pointers to stay aware of while taking anti-inflammatory drugs
Anti-inflammatory drugs with longer action can trigger bruising and internal bleeding. In some cases, these meds may also cause ulcers or sores. You also need to know that inhibition of COX-2 may lead to clotting of blood / thrombotic situation.
It is hence an important thing to inform your doctor about prior occurrence of heart attacks or strokes. In such instances, you are advised to consult with your treating physician for safer substitutes. Also, if you are witnessing counterproductive effects like acid reflux or GERD, diarrhea, formation of gas, etc., you are advised to tell your physician of such discomforts.
On the other hand, if you witness signs of a likely cardiac condition i.e., symptoms like sharp pain in your chest region /angina, turning weak, numbing of fingers and toes, etc., ask for medical assistance on an emergency mode. Those in US must dial 911 immediately. You may also call the helpline of food and drug administration. Users of anti-inflammatory meds who live in a Canadian province, upon sensing any of the abovesaid adverse effects, must call Health Canada or rush to a local poison management cell urgently.
Disclaimer
Information provided here are only of supplementary nature. Information shared here does not substitute a qualified doctor’s advice. This website is not suggesting intake of this drug as safe or appropriate. Hence it is advised to talk to your doctor before consuming this med or any other drug.
Education: Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) from the University of Florida. Experience: 5 years as a pharmacist and medical writer, creating content on medication management and pharmaceutical news for healthcare blogs and patient education sites.
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