Anticoagulant and Antiplatele... Health Article

Special conditions

People with specific medical conditions or who are taking certain other medicines can have problems if they take anticoagulant drugs. Before taking these drugs, the prescribing physician should be informed about any of these conditions:

ALLERGIES. Anyone who has had unusual reactions to anticoagulants in the past should let his or her physician know before taking the drugs again. The physician should also be told about any allergies to beef, pork, or other foods; dyes; preservatives; or other substances.

PREGNANCY. Anticoagulants may cause many serious problems if taken during pregnancy. Birth defects, severe bleeding in the fetus, and other problems that affect the physical or mental development of the fetus or newborn are possible. The mother may also experience severe bleeding if she takes anticoagulants during pregnancy, during delivery, or even shortly after delivery. Women should not take start taking anticoagulants during pregnancy and should not become pregnant while taking it. Any woman who becomes pregnant or suspects that she has become pregnant while taking an anticoagulant should check with her physician immediately.

BREASTFEEDING. Some anticoagulant drugs may pass into breast milk. Blood tests can be done on nursing babies to see whether the drug is causing any problems. If it is, other medication may be prescribed to counteract the effects of the anticoagulant drug.

OTHER MEDICAL CONDITIONS. Before using anticoagulant drugs, people should inform their physician about any medical problems they have. They should also let the physician who prescribed the medicine know if they are being treated by any other medical physician or dentist. In addition, people who will be taking anticoagulant drugs should let their physician know if they have recently had any of the following:

• fever lasting more than one to two days
• severe or continuing diarrhea
• childbirth
• heavy or unusual menstrual bleeding
• insertion of an intrauterine contraceptive device (IUD)
• falls, injuries, or blows to the body or head
• any type of surgery, including dental surgery
• spinal anesthesia
• radiation treatment

USE OF CERTAIN FOODS AND MEDICINES. Many foods and drugs may affect the way the anticoagulant drugs work or may increase the risk of side effects.

Side effects

The most common minor side effects are bloating or gas. These problems usually go away as the body adjusts to the drug and do not require medical treatment.

More serious side effects may occur, especially if excessive anticoagulant is taken. If any of the following side effects occur, a physician should be notified immediately:

• bleeding gums
• sores or white spots in the mouth or throat
• unusual bruises or purplish areas on the skin
• unexplained nosebleeds
• unusually heavy bleeding or oozing from wounds
• unexpected or unusually menstrual bleeding
• blood in the urine
• cloudy or dark urine
• painful or difficult urination or sudden decrease in amount of urine
• black, tarry, or bloody stools
• coughing up blood
• vomiting blood or something that looks like coffee grounds
• constipation
• pain or swelling in the stomach or abdomen
• back pain
• stiff, swollen, or painful joints
• painful, bluish or purplish fingers or toes
• puffy or swollen eyelids, face, feet, or lower legs
• changes in the color of the face
• skin rash, itching, or hives
• yellow eyes or skin
• severe or continuing headache
• sore throat and fever, with or without chills
• breathing problems or wheezing
• tightness in the chest
• dizziness
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• weight gain

In addition, patients taking anticoagulant drugs should check with their physicians as soon as possible if any of these side effects occur:

• nausea or vomiting
• diarrhea
• stomach pain or cramps

Other side effects may occur. Anyone who has unusual symptoms while taking anticoagulant drugs should get in touch with his or her physician.