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Blood Thinners

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Mar 3, 2024.

AMBULATORY CARE:

Blood thinners

are medicines that prevent blood clots from forming in an artery, vein, or the heart. These medicines may also prevent a blood clot from getting bigger. Blood clots prevent the flow of blood to organs and tissues such as the heart or a leg. The 2 main types of blood thinners are antiplatelet medicine and anticoagulant medicine. Antiplatelet medicines prevent platelets from sticking together and forming a clot. Anticoagulants prevent the blood from clotting too much.

Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) for any of the following:

Seek care immediately if:

Call your doctor if:

Foods and medicines to avoid:

Do not start any new medicines, vitamins, or herbal supplements before you talk to your healthcare provider. Do not make changes to your diet without talking to your provider. Many medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements may prevent blood thinners from working correctly. Ask your provider for a full list of foods and medicines to avoid. The following may cause severe bleeding, or prevent anticoagulants from working correctly:

Self-care:

Other important information:

Follow up with your doctor as directed:

Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.