Complications of Blood Thinners
Blood thinners are prescribed to help people with a predisposition to forming blood clots, particularly those who have a family history of blood clots or those who have suffered heart attacks or strokes in the past; however, these blood thinners are prone to causing complications that people should be aware of.
Blood Thinners can Interact with other Medications
Many people have heard about drug-drug interactions. These interactions arise when medications are metabolized by the same set of enzymes. For example, if people are taking a blood thinner along with another medication that is broken down by the same enzyme, both medications are going to stick around in the bloodstream for longer periods of time than they would alone. There are only so many enzymes in the human body and medications will need to take their turn being broken down. If people metabolize the blood thinner drug more slowly due to the presence of another drug, this could lead to an unintentional overdose. This could lead to increased bleeding, particularly after chest trauma or abdominal trauma.
Blood Thinners can Cause Allergic Reactions
Similar to other medications, people can be allergic to blood thinners. In particular, the blood thinner Heparin used commonly to combat blood clotting before, during, and after surgery, can cause an allergic reaction called Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia. The patient’s platelet count can drop precipitously and cause heavy bleeding that could result in death. Other allergic reactions to medications include TTP, seen with a variety of blood thinners. Patients should inform their doctor if they have had allergic reactions to medications in the past because they could develop with other related medications. Allergic reactions can also lead to wrongful death.
Women can have Low Iron While Taking Blood Thinners
When women take a blood thinner, they may realize that their menstrual bleeding is heavier than usual. Women should be prepared to use more tampons and pads than they otherwise would because thin blood takes longer to stop. Women who have heavy bleeding run the risk of developing an iron deficiency. Iron plays a central role in carrying oxygen to tissue throughout the human body. Therefore, women who take blood thinners may also need to take iron supplements to ensure that their iron content remains in a healthy range while on blood thinners. Iron deficiency, noted comorbidity of blood thinners, can present as exercise intolerance, extreme fatigue during the course of the day, and discolored stools.
Related Article by Ed Smith ~
Sacramento Drug Products Liability Lawyers
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento Drug Products Liability Lawyer. Blood thinners are meant to help people with medical problems, not make them wors. If you or a loved one has been harmed while taking a blood thinner, please contact me at (916) 921-6400 for friendly, free advice. My office has a toll-free line available at (800) 404-5400.
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