Depending on the medication used, other potential risks exist. Alcoholic beverages and cranberry juice can contribute to the development of side effects when using blood thinners. Bleeding is the most common side effect of blood thinners.
Can you drink orange juice while taking warfarin?
Despite their name, blood thinners (also called anticoagulants) don’t actually thin your blood. They work by keeping your blood from sticking together in a clump (clotting). Blood thinners keep a clot where it is and from getting bigger and prevent new clots from forming.
Things to Know About Taking Blood Thinners Safely
Thanks to that balancing act, clotting is usually a helpful process. It’s also important to take these medications exactly as your doctor instructs. The pieces may then travel to other body parts and cause more problems. Swimming, walking, and jogging are excellent forms of exercise and are safe for most people taking anticoagulants. Discuss with your doctor which types of exercise may be best for you. Your doctor may tell you to limit your participation in contact sports to reduce the chance of bleeding.
Medical Professionals
- Tell your dentist you’re taking blood thinners to avoid excessive bleeding during regular teeth cleanings.
- That means people who can’t take one medication may still be able to take a similar medication.
- If you have a bleeding disorder, you may have a higher risk of bleeding with Eliquis.
These drugs work by either thinning your blood or increasing the time it takes for blood clots to form. Blood clots can be dangerous because they interfere with blood flow to your vital organs. If you have issues with your heart, you may have a greater chance of developing blood clots and may need to take blood-thinning medications. Several antibiotics, antifungal drugs, blood pressure medications, and antidepressants can increase your chance of bleeding. This also includes nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or Naproxen (Aleve).
But it’s important to learn about both before you start taking them. Within the last few years, a new class of blood thinners was developed. They offer a number of benefits over warfarin, but they do have some disadvantages. Speak with a healthcare professional about the benefits and risks. One of the oldest blood thinners still in widespread use is warfarin (Coumadin).
- If a healthcare provider suspects HIT, they will immediately stop giving you heparin (in either of those two forms) and switch to another medication.
- The distinction of red vs. white is based on the color and composition of the clots, but all clots contain varying amounts of platelets, fibrin, and red blood cells.
- Alcohol can increase your risk of stomach bleeding caused by aspirin and other NSAIDs.
Generally, these medical conditions can cause blood clots and anticoagulant medications increase your risk of bleeding. As a side effect statins can reduce the level of platelets in your blood, suggesting these drugs might also act as mild anticoagulants. Blood thinners are medicines that help keep you from forming blood clots as easily, blood thinners and alcohol which keeps your blood flowing smoothly through your veins and arteries. This can help reduce your risk of having a heart attack or stroke if you’re at risk. Since blood thinners make you less able to form clots, if you’re taking them, be extra careful when you do anything that could increase your chance of injury and bleeding.
Drugs & Supplements
