Learn what blood thinners are, their risks and benefits – and what not to do while on blood thinners so that you can prevent injuries.
Stay Safe: What Not to Do While on Blood Thinners
Blood clots are a natural part of healing. If you get a cut, blood cells gather to form a clot and stop bleeding. However, sometimes blot clots develop where they shouldn't or in unusually high numbers. When this happens, clots can lead to serious health concerns.
Blood-thinning medications, also called anticoagulants, are prescribed to prevent these rogue blood clots from forming causing issues such as a heart attack, deep vein thrombosis or a stroke. Still, these drugs come with risks, making it vital to know what not to do while on blood thinners.
Be Proactive to Stay Safe
There are several types of blood thinners, including warfarin (sometimes called Coumadin), one of the oldest and most common. Each type works slightly differently but shares the same goal – preventing blood clots.
Unlike what the name suggests, blood thinners don't thin your blood. Instead, they prevent some parts of blood from sticking together, or clotting. However, they also interfere with helpful blood clotting. Because of this, it's essential to be proactive to prevent a bleeding emergency.
Here are five ways to improve your safety while on blood thinners.
1. Be Careful Around Sharp Objects
Even a minor cut can lead to severe bleeding while on a blood thinner. You can do several things to prevent a bleeding emergency, including:
- Always wearing shoes, inside and outside
- Shaving with an electric razor
- Taking extra care when using knives or scissors
- Using a soft toothbrush
- Wearing protective gloves when gardening or using sharp tools
2. Follow Your Doctor's Orders
Go to all your appointments and take blood thinners exactly as prescribed, even if you're feeling well. When you have too little medication in your system, your risk of harmful blood clots increases. If you have too much, you increase your risk of a bleeding emergency. Consistently taking your medication and getting regular labs help keep everything in balance.
3. Be Mindful of Drug Interactions
Many common over-the-counter medications, prescription drugs, supplements and vitamins can affect how blood thinners work. Tell your healthcare providers about everything you take so that they can help you stay safe.
If you take warfarin, you must also be mindful of your diet. Foods rich in vitamin K, such as broccoli and spinach, may decrease the effectiveness of the drug, while grapefruit may increase its effectiveness.
4. Watch Out for Signs of Bleeding
Bleeding is the most common and serious blood thinner side effect. Call your healthcare provider immediately if you notice any of these possible signs of severe bleeding:
- Bright red or black bowel movements
- Brown or red urine, or pee
- Coughing up blood
- Dizziness
- Gum or nose bleeding that doesn't stop bleeding quickly
- Red or brown vomit
- Severe pain
- Unusual bruises
- Weakness
5. Wear a Medical Alert Bracelet
If the unexpected happens and you can't speak for yourself, a medical alert bracelet or necklace gives first responders the information they need to take care of you. The alert tag should include your:
- Emergency contact's name and number
- Name
- Primary medical conditions, including why you take a blood thinner