Blood Thinners and Blood Thinner Medications

Definition of Blood Thinners:

Blood thinners are agents that when used help the circulation of blood through your body. They are
also known as anticoagulants or anti-platelet drugs. The drugs have many uses as there are many
conditions that can be alleviated, postponed or controlled with the use of these drugs.

Some of the more common uses for Blood Thinners are to aid with the following conditions:

• Heart Attacks

• Congenital Heart Disease

• Atrial Fibrillation

• Thrombosis

• Stroke

• Aneurism

• Patients undergoing Chemotherapy

• Chronic Renal Failure (Kidney Disease)

Types of Blood Thinner:

There are quite few varieties of Blood Thinner on the market here are some of the most commonly
prescribed:

Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) has a whole variety of uses. The most common ones being as an analgesic
to relieve pain but another side effect of Aspirin is the use as a mild anticoagulant. It is mainly used as
a preventative for people who are at risk of Heart Attacks or Strokes including TIA (mini strokes). It
should not be taken as this type of preventative without the express permission of your Doctor as it
can interact negatively with other medications.

Warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven, Marevan, Lawarin, and Waran) has a couple of uses. It is used as a
poison to irradiate vermin and it is also used as a strong anticoagulant. It is a natural substance that is
found in many plants. It is taken orally. It is used as a preventative and treatment for people who are
at risk of Thrombosis, Embolisms and Strokes.

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Blood Thinners and Blood Thinner Medications

Heparin is a natural Blood Thinner which is produced by the body and found in the lungs and liver.
The pharmaceutical product is derived from cows and pigs. Heparin is administered intravenously and
is generally used in hospitals for Kidney, Chemotherapy, Atrial Fibrillation, Heart Surgery, Deep Vein-
Thrombosis, Pulmonary Embolism and Intensive Care Patients.

Enoxaparin (Lovenox, Clexane and Indenox ) is a form of Heparin which is injected under the skin
(Subcutaneously) in as a preventative measure and treatment against Deep Vein Thrombosis or
Pulmonary Embolism. It is also used in conjunction with Aspirin to treat Angina and Myocardial
Infarction.

Clopidogrel (Plavix) is anticoagulant that inhibits the body from reacting in a certain way. In this case
it inhibits some of the receptors that that are responsible for forming platelets into clots. It is taken
orally. It is used in the prevention of clots forming in Cardiovascular Diseases as well as in conjunction
with Aspirin for the prevention of Thrombosis.

Side effects of Blood Thinners:

When taking any form of Blood Thinner you should be constantly looking out for the signs of adverse
side effects. These are black or very dark stools as these can indicate internal bleeding; red or brown
urine as again this can indicate internal bleeding; unusual heavy menstrual cycles; or bleeding gums.
If any of these or any of the following are apparent then you should seek medical help immediately.

Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) – breathing difficulties; vomiting; stomach irritation; nausea; and
bleeding intestines. Aspirin should not be taken by patients with stomach ulcers.

Warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven, Marevan, Lawarin, and Waran) – there is a very high chance of
serious adverse bleeding with this drug. If this drug is prescribed then there will also be a very strict
monitoring routine including regular blood tests. Hemorrhaging is the only serious side effect with
this drug. You have to cut down on eating foods that contain vitamin K whilst taking Warfarin as they
do not interact well, foods to avoid are spinach, lettuce, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage and sprouts.
You must also advise your doctor immediately if you become pregnant whilst on this drug as it can
adversely affect the fetus.

Heparin – the main side effect of taking this drug is the potential for abnormal bleeding. You may also
suffer from more bruises and a rash near the place of injection.

Enoxaparin (Lovenox, Clexane and Indenox) – abnormal bleeding; pain, bruising or irritation;
abdominal/chest pain; headache and symptoms not unlike hay fever.

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Blood Thinners and Blood Thinner Medications

Clopidogrel (Plavix) – abnormal bleeding; low white blood cell count.

FAQ:

What are Blood thinners?

Blood Thinners are drugs that are used to regulate the blood flow in your body by thinning the blood.
They prevent and destroy blood clots that form in the body. They are generally used in the treatment
of Heart Attacks; Congenital Heart Disease; Atrial Fibrillation; Thrombosis; Strokes; Aneurisms;
Patients undergoing Chemotherapy; and Chronic Renal Failure (Kidney Disease).

What medication can you take if you’re on Blood Thinners?

You should not be taking any other drugs whilst being prescribed Blood Thinners without the express
consent of your doctor. Most types of Blood Thinner interact adversely with one or more other types
of drugs. The adverse side effects that you incur mean that must always err on the side of caution
and consult your doctor before taking any action.

Resources and Organizations:

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/bloodthinners.html

http://my.clevelandclinic.org/drugs/antiplatelet_drugs/hic_antiplatelet_drugs.aspx

Indigo Girl – Design and Marketing Services – 60 Fairlawn Park, Sydenham, London, SE26 5RX
Telephone: +44 (0)208 778 6484 – Email: enquiries@indigogirl.co.uk