![]() ![]() INR stands for the International Normalized Ratio. So it's very important to follow the prescription as clearly as possible and to discuss with your clinician exactly how to take these medications. For patients who may take too much of the medication, misunderstand directions or be given directions that are unclear, if they take more anticoagulant than they're supposed to, they're at increased risk for bleeding. We know that in patients who miss doses, they're at increased risk for developing blood clotting complications. Medication adherence is a critical issue when it comes to anticoagulation or blood thinning. ![]() Medication Adherence and Anticoagulation Therapy We don't use those as routinely for stroke prevention and atrial fibrillation, for patients who are at home with mechanical heart valves, and for patients with blood clots who have transitioned from the hospital to home. There are some blood thinners that are given by injection in special circumstances. So we take into account patient preference and what we think will do the best job. ![]() We may opt for a once daily medication to make things a little bit easier, but there also reasons to pick twice daily. Now some of them are taken once daily, some are taken twice daily, and that's something we have to consider when we think of adherence to the medication regimen in our patients. For patients with blood clots in the veins, such as deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism, we'll use either warfarin or one of these newer agents.īlood thinners like warfarin and these newer agents, which include dabigatran, rivaroxaban, apixaban, and edoxaban, are all taken by mouth. For patients who have mechanical heart valves or who have valvular disease and are at risk for stroke due to atrial fibrillation, we'll tend to use warfarin more frequently. For things like stroke prevention and atrial fibrillation, we consider both warfarin along with these newer anticoagulants. The way that we choose patients for these anticoagulants is to consider what the condition is that the patient has. For decades we were really limited to warfarin or coumadin, but there have been studies on non-warfarin type anticoagulants that have shown them to be very effective and very safe and those have arrived on the market. Over the last five years, we've actually had an explosion in the number of anticoagulant options. We're actually in a very special time in medicine. There are a number of anticoagulants that are used. And then we use them to treat patients who've experienced blood clots in either the veins or the arteries. We also use them to treat patients who have mechanical heart valves. Most commonly, we use blood thinners or anticoagulants to treat atrial fibrillation, which is an irregular heart rhythm. Portions of this document last updated: Sept.Anticoagulants or blood thinners are used to treat patients with a number of cardiovascular diseases. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-80. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.Ĭall your doctor for medical advice about side effects. Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. Unusual drowsiness, dullness, or feeling of sluggishness Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them: Less commonĬhange in taste, or bad, unusual, or unpleasant (after) tasteĮxcess air or gas in the stomach or intestines Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. Purplish red, net-like, blotchy spots on the skin Increased menstrual flow or vaginal bleeding Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur: Less commonīurning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, "pins and needles", or tingling feelingsĭizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position ![]()
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