What Are Blood Thinners
Blood thinners are medicines that ease the flow of your blood. Blood thinners will not break the clots you have but they prevent the formation of any new clots.
Blood thinners also can stop the blood clots from getting any bigger and blocking the flow. Blood clots can cause major complications like heart attacks, strokes and blockages if left untreated.
Serious Side Effects Of Blood Thinners
Blood thinners are designed to allow smooth blood flow through the cardiovascular system. They can prevent the formation of blood clots or keep existing blood clots from growing. Most blood thinners are prescribed to treat heart defects, certain types of heart disease, and any medical condition that increases the likelihood of dangerous blood clots. Blood thinners can reduce the risk of a heart attack or stroke in some patients. However, they can also have potentially dangerous side effects, many of which are connected to bleeding in some fashion.
In addition to understanding the benefits of taking blood thinners, patients should also be well aware of the potential side effects they may experience so they are better able to discuss options with their doctor. Learn about the common side effects of blood thinners now.
Xarelto Side Effects In Older Adults
In clinical trials of Xarelto, researchers specifically looked at whether side effects in older adults were different from those in younger adults.
In these trials, people 65 years and older were more likely to experience bleeding as a side effect of Xarelto. No other age-related differences in side effects were seen.
If you have questions about Xareltos side effects given your age, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. And for more information about bleeding as a side effect of Xarelto, see the Side effect specifics section below.
Xarelto may cause several side effects. Here are some frequently asked questions about the drugs side effects and their answers.
Recommended Reading: Fatigue And High Blood Pressure
Are There Foods To Avoid When Taking Eliquis
Unlike other blood thinners, such as , people taking Eliquis do not need to monitor their Vitamin K intake. Grapefruit and grapefruit juice do interact with a , including Eliqius. Grapefruit juice may increase the amount of Eliquis in your body, so it is important to exercise caution and talk with your health care provider or your pharmacist if grapefruit is part of your diet.
Which Blood Thinner Is Best For You
Its hard to say one is better or worse, because there isnt that much data comparing them to one anotherweve mainly compared them against warfarin, says Jonathan Halperin, M.D., a professor of cardiology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City.
But there are differences you may want to ask your doctor about. For instance, apixaban was associated with the lowest risk of major bleeding in a 2016 study published in the journal Chest, and the lowest risk of gastrointestinal bleeding in elderly adults compared with dabigatran and rivaroxaban in a study published in the journal Gastroenterology in 2017.
Dabigatran carries an approximately 10 percent risk of heartburn so severe that patients have to switch drugs, Noseworthy says. And it cant be crushed, a problem if you have difficulty taking pills.
You May Like: How To Heal Adrenal Fatigue Fast
Xarelto For Preventing Vte In People Who Are Ill
Xarelto is FDA-approved to prevent venous thromboembolism in people who are admitted to a hospital with an acute medical illness. The drug is approved for this use in people who have an increased risk of blood clots, but who dont have a high risk of bleeding.
A VTE is a blood clot that forms in one of your veins . VTEs can travel throughout your body, including to your lungs. Youre at an increased risk of having a VTE if youre on bedrest or you cant move around very much.
Other risk factors for VTE include:
- having had a blood clot in the past
- a history of cancer
- a history of heart failure
- being 75 years of age or older
Xarelto is an anticoagulant . Its taken to prevent blood clots during your hospital stay. Youll also take it for a while after youre discharged from the hospital.
Effectiveness for preventing VTE in people who are ill
One clinical study compared treatment with Xarelto to treatment with enoxaparin for preventing VTE in people who were admitted to a hospital.
In this study, Xarelto was more effective than enoxaparin followed by a placebo in preventing blood clots in people admitted to the hospital.
For both Xarelto and enoxaparin, treatment was started in the hospital and continued after people were discharged from the hospital. One group of people took Xarelto for 31 to 39 days. A second group took enoxaparin for 6 to 14 days while they were in the hospital. This second group of people were then given a placebo to take after theyd been discharged.
Side Effects Requiring Immediate Medical Attention
Along with its needed effects, apixaban may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking apixaban:
Rare
Applies to apixaban: oral tablet
You May Like: What Is Compassion Fatigue In Nursing
How To Tell If The Bleeding Is An Emergency
When you’re taking a blood thinner, says Gomes, you may bruise more easily and may also notice bleeding around your gums after brushing your teeth. In most cases, bleeding caused by blood thinners is not serious, according to the NBCA. If you get a minor cut while working in the yard or the kitchen, the bleeding might last longer than usual. You could also experience frequent nosebleeds that last for several minutes. Though frustrating and inconvenient, these occurrences aren’t life-threatening.
However, blood thinners can cause dangerous bleeding that requires immediate medical attention, says Gomes. Major bleeding complications include internal bleeding in the stomach, bowel, or brain, he says. “This could be life-threatening, he adds. Intracranial hemorrhage is the most feared complication. And, Haut notes, the damage caused by bleeding in the brain may be irreversible.
So, in addition totaking steps to prevent bleeding, it’s also important to recognize the warning signs of this potentially serious side effect:
- Excessive menstrual bleeding
- Coughing up anything red in color
- Severe headache or stomachache
- Blood in the urine or bowel movements
How Can I Take Blood Thinners Safely
Blood thinners are suggested by doctors and should be taken as prescribed. Blood thinners should be taken at the same time, every day.
Do not skip a dose and dont try to compensate for a dose. By chance, if you get to miss any dose take it immediately when you remember it.
If you miss it completely consult your doctor and then continue with your medication. Do not take any drugs on your own.
When you are taking blood thinners be careful with your wounds and cuts. When there is a cut blood thinner may cause excessive bleeding and can turn a small cut into major bleeding.
Recommended Reading: Does Diabetes Cause Extreme Fatigue
Xarelto For Preventing Dvt And Pe After Hip Or Knee Replacement
Xarelto is FDA-approved to prevent DVT and PE following hip or knee replacement surgery. These types of surgeries can damage the blood vessels around the area of your joint replacement. And after surgery, your ability to move is restricted for a while. Both of these issues increase your risk of having a blood clot.
Xarelto is an anticoagulant . It prevents DVT and PE after certain surgeries by lowering your risk of having blood clots.
Effectiveness for preventing DVT or PE after surgery
Clinical studies found Xarelto was more effective than enoxaparin in preventing blood clots following hip or knee replacement surgery.
One study looked at people who took Xarelto for an average of 33 days following hip replacement surgery. These people were 71% less likely to have a blood clot than people who took enoxaparin for the same amount of time. For example, blood clots occurred in 1.1% of people taking Xarelto. In comparison, 3.9% of people taking enoxaparin had blood clots.
Another study looked at people who took Xarelto for an average of 12 days following knee replacement surgery. These people were 48% less likely to have a blood clot than people who took enoxaparin for the same amount of time. For example, blood clots occurred in 9.7% of people taking Xarelto. In comparison, 18.8% of people taking enoxaparin had blood clots.
Herbal Supplements And Eliquis
Certain herbal supplements are known to reduce the effects of Eliquis. St Johns wort can reduce the amount of Eliquis in your system, ultimately making the drug less effective. Therefore, most doctors will recommend you stop taking St Johns wort while you take Eliquis.
Another common herb that could hinder the results from Eliquis is turmeric. Turmeric is a common herbal supplement because of its anti-inflammatory properties. Since several anti-inflammatory medications interact negatively with Eliquis, doctors generally advise patients not to take them while using the drug.
You May Like: How To Support Adrenal Fatigue
Risk Of Blood Clots If You Stop Taking Xarelto
Xarelto has a boxed warning for risk of blood clots if you stop taking the drug. A boxed warning is a serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration . It alerts doctors and patients about drug effects that may be dangerous.
When you stop taking Xarelto, your risk for having a blood clot increases. If you have a condition that affects your arteries or heart, stopping Xarelto also increases your risk for heart attack and stroke. Examples of these conditions include peripheral artery disease and coronary artery disease.
Symptoms of a blood clot vary depending on the location of the clot and may include:
- pain and swelling, which can affect a specific area of the body, such as the calf
- trouble breathing
- lightheadedness
For more information about this warning, see Xareltos drug label information. You can also talk with your doctor.
What you can do
You shouldnt stop taking Xarelto unless your doctor instructs you to do so.
Sometimes, you may need to temporarily stop taking Xarelto, with your doctors approval. This may be recommended before certain dental, medical, or surgical procedures. Your doctor will give you specific dates for when to stop taking Xarelto and when to start taking it again after your procedure. And, in the time leading up to your procedure, your doctor may prescribe a medication other than Xarelto for your condition.
How To Manage Side Effects
Get your blood checked often if youre on warfarin or heparin. This is an international normalized ration test. It tells you how long it takes your blood to clot.
You can also try to stop uncontrollable bleeding before it starts. Here are a few tips:
- Use a soft toothbrush and waxed dental floss
- Use an electric razor
Also Check: Anti Fatigue Mats How Do They Work
Do Blood Thinners Make You Cold And Tired
A blood thinner works by slowing or impairing the bloods ability to clot, Dr. Andersen said, and will not make someone feel colder.
Is it better to take blood thinners in the morning or at night?
Patients taking the blood thinner warfarin have been told that it should be taken at night, but a new study found the time of day doesnt matter. Whether warfarin is taken in the morning, or the evening, its therapeutic effect is the same, said lead researcher Dr.
What To Expect At Your Provider’s Office
There is no laboratory test for chronic fatigue syndrome. But your health care provider may use tests to rule out other illnesses. Your provider will go over your symptoms, check your medical history, and do a physical examination.
If you have CFS, your provider may prescribe drugs to treat your symptoms, or suggest herbs, vitamins, or dietary changes to help you. Get plenty of rest, exercise regularly, and learn to pace yourself. Often this combination of treatments will help you get better.
If the usual treatments do not work, your provider may check for other conditions that can cause symptoms similar to those of CFS.
Also Check: Best Rated Anti Fatigue Mats
Why Would I Need To Take These Medications
When blood clots work like theyre supposed to, they form at the site of an injury that needs repair and they stay put. However, when clots don’t stay in one place or form in your bloodstream, they can be extremely dangerous. If a clot is too large, it can get stuck in a smaller blood vessel. If that smaller blood vessel is in a critical location, it can block blood flow that one of your organs needs to survive.
Blockages from blood clots can cause the following deadly events:
- Stroke. Blood clots are particularly dangerous if they travel up to your brain, where they can easily get stuck in the smaller blood vessels.
- Pulmonary embolism . This occurs when a blood clot gets stuck and blocks an artery in your lungs. If the blockage is severe enough, a pulmonary embolism can be deadly.
- Heart attack . These occur when arteries that supply blood to your heart become blocked. These can also be deadly.
Anticoagulants can protect individuals who have a condition or disease that could cause them to have any of the above clot-related events.
Some of those conditions include:
When To See A Doctor For Eliquis Side Effects
While Eliquis is an effective medication, certain side effects will require immediate medical attention. Call your doctor right away if you are experiencing:
- Severe bleeding that wont stop
- Recurring nosebleeds that last longer than 10 minutes
- Bloody pink, red, or brown urine
- Bloody or black tarry stool
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding
- Coughing up blood
- Difficulty breathing
Experiencing any of the above side effects you must contact your doctor immediately and it might also be a good indicator that its time to stop taking Eliquis and consider alternative medications, such as warfarin or Heparin.
You May Like: How To Fix Allergy Fatigue
Signs Of Bleeding Or A High Inr Are:
- Bleeding from cuts that do not stop
- Nosebleeds that do not stop
- Gums bleed when you brush your teeth
- Coughing up blood
- Vomit that looks like coffee grounds
- Bruising in unusual areas or for unknown reasons
- Bowel movements that looks black or have blood in them
- Red or rust-colored in the urine
- Bleeding in the eye
- Getting a sudden headache, dizziness, or weakness
How Long Can I Stay On These Medications
How long you can take an anticoagulant depends on which medication you take and how you take it. Most IV and injectable anticoagulants arent meant for long-term use.
However, you can take many oral anticoagulants for longer periods. Depending on which one your healthcare provider prescribes, you may be able to take it indefinitely.
Don’t Miss: Leg Pain Shortness Of Breath Fatigue
What Causes Blood Clots
Blood clots can form inside your blood vessels if your blood is prevented from flowing freely around your body. There are many reasons why this can happen.
Examples of factors that could raise your risk for a blood clot include:
- broken bones
- heart or lung disease
When your blood doesnt flow freely, blood cells called platelets start clumping together inside your blood vessels. The platelets make substances that activate clotting factors in your blood. When activated, clotting factors cause blood clots to form.
A blood clot that develops in a vein deep inside your body is called a deep vein thrombosis . Sometimes a DVT can become dislodged and travel through your bloodstream to your lungs. This is called a pulmonary embolism . A blood clot that develops in your heart can travel through your bloodstream to your brain and cause a stroke.
The Straight Story On Xarelto:
Rivaroxaban is one of the oral anticoagulant medicines that have come on the market within the last decade. It is prescribed to prevent stroke in people with atrial fibrillation. Doctors also use it to prevent or treat a blood clot in the lungs or the veins of the legs.
People who stop Xarelto suddenly may develop blood clots. But research shows that this anticoagulant increases the risk for the kind of internal bleeding that led to the death of our readers mother.
A recent study involving more than 118,000 patients with atrial fibrillation concluded that treatment with Xarelto increased the possibility of bleeding within the skull or digestive tract more than another anticoagulant, dabigatran. Older people were especially vulnerable.
The patients were taking anticoagulants like Xarelto or dabigatran to prevent strokes. Atrial fibrillation is an irregular heart rhythm that may allow blood to clot within the heart. A clot that escapes and lodges in the brain can be catastrophic.
Pradaxa, Xarelto and the newer apixaban and edoxaban are being promoted as substitutes to the old anticoagulant warfarin . The newer blood thinners are presented as being easier to use since they dont have dietary restrictions or regular blood tests as warfarin does.
Also Check: Anti Fatigue Blue Light Glasses
Living With Polycythemia Vera
There is no cure for polycythemia vera, but proper treatment can help to reduce or delay any problems. Work with your healthcare provider to create a treatment plan that fits your needs. You should also be physically active in order to increase your heart rate and improve your blood flow.
Other ways to improve your blood flow include:
- Stretching your legs and ankles
- Wearing warm gloves and socks during cold weather
- Avoiding extreme heat
- Drinking plenty of water
You should also avoid situations in which you could be hurt, and check your feet for any sores.
Does Blood Thinner Cause Fatigue
Aside from bleeding-related issues, there are several side effects that have been linked to blood thinners, such as nausea and low counts of cells in your blood. Low blood cell count can cause fatigue, weakness, dizziness and shortness of breath.
How does Eliquis affect platelets?
Eliquis has no direct effect on platelet aggregation but by inhibiting factor Xa, it ensures a reduction in the formation of platelets. Discontinuation in the use of Eliquis may also increase the risk of heart attack as well as stroke in patients.
Can blood thinners cause headaches?
The side effects of blood thinners of this medication include headaches, indigestion, diarrhea, and general abdominal pain. Symptoms that may show intestinal bleeding include a black or tarry stool. One of the blood thinner medications that is usually given at a hospital is Heparin.
Also Check: Fatigue Ringing In Ears Dizziness
