Your Care at Home: Taking Blood Thinners
Your Care at Home: Taking Blood ThinnersMany patients leave the hospital needing anticoagulant therapy, which most of us think of as bloodthinners.They help prevent your body from making blood clots that can be very dangerous to you.Simply put, blood thinners prevent your blood from forming clots, sticky clumps that can block theblood vessels.A clot can cut off the flow of blood to important organs and tissues in your body. This can be painfuland, if not treated right away, can lead to tissue damage or even death.Depending on where in your body a blood clot is located, it can cause any number of life-threateningemergencies including heart attack, stroke, kidney failure, nerve damage, and difficulty breathing.If you’re at risk for developing a blood clot, you’ll likely be prescribed blood thinners. It’s important tofollow the directions carefully and take your prescribed dose.Too much blood thinner can cause excessive bleeding; too little can keep it from doing its job.Some blood thinners require you to have regular blood tests to make sure you’re taking the correctamount for you.Bleeding is the most common side effect of blood thinners. Some bleeding is serious and demandsimmediate attention.Call 911 if you cough up or vomit blood or a coffee ground looking vomit, or if you pass very bloodystools. These are emergencies.It’s not as urgent, but still time to call the doctor if you bruise easily, have a nosebleed or bleedinggums, your stools are black or streaked with blood, there’s blood in your urine, or you have vaginalbleeding or unusually heavy periods.Other possible side effects include an allergic reaction, skin rash, headache, or stomach upset.Again, for these, call your doctor.If you are injured, or you cut yourself, hold pressure on the wound to prevent or stop the bleeding. Ifthe bleeding doesn’t stop, call your doctor or 911.When taking anticoagulants, follow your doctor’s orders. If you’re told to follow a certain diet, stick toit.This program is for informational purposes only. Publisher disclaims all guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness,or suitability of this video for medical decision making. For all health related issues please contact your healthcare provider.VER10254C EN YourCareAtHomeTakingBloodThinners.pdf© The Wellness NetworkPage 1 of 2Your Care at Home: Taking Blood ThinnersMake sure you tell your doctor about every medicine you take, by prescription or over the counter, orif you drink alcohol, because these can interact with blood thinners.If you can’t afford your blood thinner, discuss this with your doctor. Don’t stop taking it. And if youmiss a dose, ask your doctor what you should do.The bottom line? Taking blood thinners could be a lifesaver! If you have any questions about takingan anticoagulant, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.This program is for informational purposes only. Publisher disclaims all guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness,or suitability of this video for medical decision making. For all health related issues please contact your healthcare provider.VER10254C EN YourCareAtHomeTakingBloodThinners.pdf© The Wellness NetworkPage 2 of 2
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