Anticoagulants, often called blood thinners, are medications that slow the clotting of blood. They do not actually thin the blood but increase the time it takes a blood clot to form. Anticoagulants help prevent existing blood clots from becoming larger and may be used to prevent deep vein blood clots or to treat certain blood vessel, heart, or lung conditions.

Safety tips for anticoagulants

• Take the medication at the same time each day.
• Check with your doctor before using nonprescription drugs, especially ones that contain aspirin.
• Talk to your doctor before taking any vitamins, supplements, or other natural products.
• Tell any new health professionals that you are taking medication that affects how your blood clots.
• Be alert for signs of bleeding, and call the doctor immediately if any of the following symptoms occur:
  • Blood in urine, or red or tarry stools
  • Bleeding from the nose or gums, or spitting up blood
  • New, excessive, or prolonged vaginal bleeding
  • Frequent, severe bruising or tiny red or purple spots on the skin
• Talk to your doctor about medications you are taking to find out how often you should have blood tests.

If you take warfarin (such as Coumadin):

• Get regular blood tests to ensure that you are taking the right amount of medication.
• Eat a balanced diet. Don't suddenly change your intake of vitamin K–rich foods, such as broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, asparagus, lettuce, spinach, and some vegetable juices. It is most important to maintain a consistent level of vitamin K foods in your diet. Vitamin K can interfere with the action of warfarin, making it more likely that your blood will clot.
• Avoid excessive use of alcohol. If you drink, do so only in moderation. Alcohol may increase the effect of warfarin.
• Don't use tobacco of any kind.
• If your other doctors prescribe medicines for you, tell them that you are taking warfarin.
• Talk to your doctor before taking any vitamins, supplements, or other natural products. Do not take ginkgo biloba or garlic while using warfarin.
• Avoid activities that have a high risk for injury, such as skiing, football, or other contact sports. If you are taking warfarin, an injury could result in excessive bleeding.
• Wear a seat belt anytime you are traveling in a car.

Preventing minor bleeding while taking anticoagulants

You may find it helpful to use the following items to lower the risk of bleeding:

• An electric razor
• A soft-bristled toothbrush and waxed floss
• Protective clothing, such as gloves and shoes
• Nonslip mats in the tub and shower

What to do if you miss a dose of anticoagulant

• If you remember it in the same day, take the missed dose. Then go back to your regular schedule.
• If it is the next day, or almost time to take the next dose, do not take the missed dose. Do not double the dose to make up for the missed one. At your next regularly scheduled time, take your normal anticoagulant dose.
• If you miss your dose for 2 or more days, call your doctor.

Do not double the dose in any one day to make up for a missed dose.

Call your doctor if you are not sure what to do if you missed a dose.