Anticoagulants for Coronary Artery DiseaseExamplesUnfractionated heparins
Low-molecular-weight heparins
Coumarins
Direct thrombin inhibitor (only used in the hospital)
Factor Xa specific inhibitor
How It WorksAnticoagulants are often called blood thinners, but they don't really thin blood. They work by increasing the time it takes for a blood clot to form. This prevents an existing clot from increasing in size, thereby preventing a heart attack or stroke . Why It Is UsedAnticoagulants are not typically used to treat coronary artery disease. But you might take them after having angioplasty or bypass surgery. You might take an anticoagulant if you also have atrial fibrillation or other complications. How Well It WorksAnticoagulants lower the risk of problems caused by blood clots, such as stroke. footnote 1 Side EffectsAll medicines have side effects. But many people don't feel the side effects, or they are able to deal with them. Ask your pharmacist about the side effects of each medicine you take. Side effects are also listed in the information that comes with your medicine. Here are some important things to think about:
Allergic reactionCall 911 or other emergency services right away if you have:
Call your doctor if you have:
BleedingCall 911 or other emergency services right away if you have:
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if you have:
If you are injured, apply pressure to stop the bleeding. Realize that it will take longer than you are used to for the bleeding to stop. If you can't get the bleeding to stop, call your doctor. Heparin: Side effects often happen at injection sites. These side effects include:
Warfarin: Other side effects include:
See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference is not available in all systems.) What To Think AboutWhen you take anticoagulants, you need to take extra steps to avoid bleeding problems. For more information, see: Long-term use of heparin is not typically recommended. It requires one or two injections each day. And long-term use is linked with osteoporosis . Taking medicineMedicine is one of the many tools your doctor has to treat a health problem. Taking medicine as your doctor suggests will improve your health and may prevent future problems. If you don't take your medicines properly, you may be putting your health (and perhaps your life) at risk. There are many reasons why people have trouble taking their medicine. But in most cases, there is something you can do. For suggestions on how to work around common problems, see the topic Taking Medicines as Prescribed. Advice for womenWarfarin Do not take warfarin if you are pregnant. Warfarin can cause miscarriage or birth defects. If you are taking warfarin, talk to your doctor about how you can prevent pregnancy. If you think you might be pregnant: Call your doctor. If you are pregnant, you will take heparin during your pregnancy. If you plan on getting pregnant: Talk with your doctor. You and your doctor will decide which medicine you will take-warfarin or heparin-while trying to get pregnant. Heparin If you are pregnant: You will take heparin during your pregnancy. Heparin has not been shown to affect the fetus. For more information, see Pregnancy and the Increased Risk of Developing Blood Clots. CheckupsFollow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take. Complete the new medication information form (PDF) (What is a PDF document?) to help you understand this medication. Current as of: April 3, 2017 Antithrombotic drugs (2014). Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics, 56(1454): 103-108. http://secure.medicalletter.org/TML-article-1454a. Accessed October 22, 2014.
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