Heart Health Center

Use of other medicine while taking heparin

Heparin medicines cause the blood to clot more slowly. While taking heparin, it is necessary to keep a delicate balance between:

• Having your blood clot too quickly, which increases your risk for clots.
• Having your blood clot too slowly, which increases your risk for bleeding.

To help keep this balance and prevent bleeding problems, tell your doctor about all other medicines you are taking including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and supplements.

Medication interactions

Many medicines can interfere with blood-clotting time and should be avoided. For example, aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can raise your risk of bleeding.

Do not take any medicines, vitamins, or minerals unless you first talk to your doctor.

Some of the more common medicines that may interfere with blood clotting are:

• Aspirin.
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen (for example, Motrin).
• Some antibiotics.
• Some seizure medicines.
• Birth control pills or patches, or hormone therapy.