| Anticoagulant and Antiplatelet drugs
Anticoagulant drugs help prevent the formation of harmful clots in the blood vessels by decreasing the blood’s ability to clump together. Although these drugs are sometimes called blood thinners, they do not actually thin the blood. Furthermore, this type of medicine will not dissolve clots that already have formed, although the drug stops an existing clot from worsening. However, another type of drug, used in thrombolytic therapy, will dissolve existing clots.
Anticoagulant drugs may be prescribed for a number of reasons, for example after replacement valve surgery to prevent clots forming, after a heart attack to prevent another heart attack or stroke.
Anticoagulant drugs affect the blood’s ability to clot and therefore there is an increased risk of severe bleeding for people who are taking them. Because of this risk, it is vitally important to take anticoagulant drugs exactly as directed.
Never take larger or more frequent doses.
No two people are the same and the dosage prescribed will depend on the type of anticoagulant drug and the medical condition for which it is prescribed.
Depending on the drug that is prescribed for you, you may need to have regular blood tests to check the blood's clotting ability. The results of these tests will help your Doctor determine the proper dose of the drug to be taken each day.
People who are taking anticoagulant drugs should tell all doctors, dentists, pharmacists, and other medical professionals who provide medical treatments or services to them that they are taking this medicine. They should also carry identification stating that they are using an anticoagulant drug.
Do not take any other prescription or over-the-counter medicine (especially aspirin) without first telling the Pharmacist that you are taking anticoagulation therapy
Why you may need anticoagulants You may need to use Warfarin or other anticoagulants if you have been diagnosed with or treated for one or more of the following:
- Atrial fibrillation
- Artificial heart valve (AVR or MVR)
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
- Pulmonary embolism (PE)
- Prevention of blood clots.
How does warfarin work?
Warfarin stops your blood from clotting within the blood vessels. It is also used to stop existing clots getting bigger (as in DVT) and to stop parts of clots breaking off and forming emboli (as in PE). It is often common to refer to the delay in clotting as ‘thining’
How will my treatment be monitored? Your treatment is monitored by regular blood testing. The INR is then measured and recorded in your Anticoagulant Therapy Record Book. Your warfarin dosage will be adjusted up or down depending on the result of your blood test: if the INR is too low, the warfarin dose is increased; if it is too high the dose is decreased.
Are there any side effects? The most common side effects of warfarin are bleeding and bruising. It can be in the form of prolonged bleeding from cuts, bleeding that does not stop by itself, nose bleeds, small or large bruises under the skin, bleeding gums when brushing the teeth, red or dark brown urine, red or black stools, or coughing or vomiting bloodstained fluid. Although these problems are - fortunately - rare, if you do occur they can be serious.
In the event of prolonged bleeding, you must inform your GP or haematologist, or go to the nearest casualty department for urgent treatment.
AntiCoagulation Europe produces a pamphlet about warfarin treatment called 'Living with Warfarin'. If you would like to receive a copy, please send a cheque or postal order for £1.00 (this includes postage and packing of 54p) to AntiCoagulation Europe, PO Box 405, Bromley, Kent BR2 9WP.
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About This Page
Author / Source: |
Dr Stephen J Clayton |
Date Last Reviewed: |
29 September 2007 |
Next Review Date: |
28 September 2008 |
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