Anticoagulation Overview

Blood normally flows freely throughout the entire body. When an injury occurs, a blood clot may form. The blood clot is actually thickened blood known as coagulated blood. It is a normal response by your body to stop the bleeding. Blood clots are not a problem unless they develop and stick to the inside of a blood vessel. When this happens, it can block blood from flowing to certain areas of the body. The clot may also break loose and travel to the brain, heart, or lungs and may cause a stroke or a heart attack. Certain conditions can put you at a higher risk for developing blood clots. Conditions involving abnormal blood flow such as atrial fibrillation (non-regular heart beat), immobilization (lying down for a long time), or heart failure may contribute to clotting. Pregnancy, cancer, heart valve replacement, and surgery are a few other conditions that can also cause clots to develop.

Anticoagulation therapy is available to help prevent new blood clots from forming and attaching to blood vessels. These medications can also treat existing blood clots by preventing them from getting bigger. Commonly used anticoagulation therapy includes warfarin, unfractionated heparin, or low molecular weight heparin. Examples of low molecular weight heparin include Arixtra® (fondaparinux sodium), Fragmin® (dalteparin sodium), Innohep® (tinzaparin sodium), and Lovenox® (enoxaparin sodium).

Living with Anticoagulant Therapy

By taking your medications, you will be able to achieve a balance between clotting and bleeding.

If you are on therapy:

• You will need to learn how to recognize and manage side effects, and know when to ask your doctor for help.
• You will need to know how to control an injury when bleeding is involved.
• Let your doctor know if you are bruising more easily or coughing up or vomiting blood.
• Let your doctor know if you are planning to visit the dentist or will be having surgery done.
• Many medications can interact with your therapy. Check with your doctor before starting any medications, especially products that contain estrogen (hormones).
• If you are pregnant or plan on becoming pregnant, let your doctor know.
• Seek emergency help if you have sudden shortness of breath or chest pain.
• Treatments of Arixtra® (fondaparinux sodium), Fragmin® (dalteparin sodium), Innohep® (tinzaparin sodium), and Lovenox® (enoxaparin sodium) are given once or twice daily by subcutaneous injection.

It is important to learn all you can about anticoagulation. Doing so will lead to understanding how you can help with your treatment.

Healthy Pointers:

• Do not smoke. Smoking can cause your blood to become thicker.
• Avoid alcohol.
• Avoid using over-the-counter pain relievers such as aspirin. These medications may thin your blood and cause bleeding. Ask your pharmacist or doctor before taking over the counter medications or home remedies.
• Maintain normal blood flow by not sitting for long periods of time.
• Floss gently and use a soft toothbrush when brushing your teeth. When brushing, avoid scratching your gums.
• Use an electric razor for shaving instead of a straight edge razor.
• Avoid activities that may lead to injury. Instead, participate in mild, low-impact exercise like swimming.
• Maintain a regular diet. Try to eat the same amount of vitamin K regularly. Green, leafy vegetables contain large amounts of vitamin K and can thicken the blood to cause clotting.

Questions? Call us at 1.888.282.5166 or email us.

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