Anticoagulant prescriptions available online

Vitamin K antagonists

Vitamin K antagonists block vitamin K—a key ingredient in the clotting process. However, vitamin K antagonists often require careful dosing and regular laboratory monitoring to prevent complications or adverse reactions. Without the right dosage, vitamin K antagonists may lead to severe bleeding.

For some medical conditions, warfarin therapy is the best treatment option. If you have end-stage kidney disease, a mechanical valve, or diseases affecting your mitral valve, your healthcare provider will likely prescribe a vitamin K antagonist.

Examples of vitamin K antagonists include:

• Coumadin (warfarin)

• Clorindione

Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs)

Direct oral anticoagulants typically work more quickly than vitamin K antagonists, and many DOACs do not require regular testing. However, direct oral anticoagulants work for shorter periods, so you may need to take medication more often than other oral anticoagulants.

Direct thrombin inhibitors, a type of DOAC, interfere with the body's use of thrombin, an enzyme that promotes clotting.

Examples of direct oral anticoagulants include:

• Pradaxa (dabigatran)

• Edoxaban

• Betrixaban

Low molecular weight heparins (LMWH)

Low molecular weight heparin anticoagulants often bridge the long-term use of other oral anticoagulation therapy, such as warfarin. You may take both anticoagulants as your doctor monitors how you do on these medications. Doctors typically prescribe a fixed dose based on your body weight, which you inject under your skin.

Examples of low molecular-weight heparin anticoagulants include:

• Fragmin (dalteparin)

• Lovenox (enoxaparin)

Side effects of anticoagulants

When taken as prescribed, anticoagulants are generally well tolerated. However, they can still cause some side effects and increase your risk of bleeding. The more common side effects of anticoagulants include:

• Passing blood in your urine

• Stomach pain, nausea, and diarrhea

• Bleeding gums

• Prolonged bleeding from a cut

• Heavier menstrual periods

In rare cases, anticoagulants may cause serious side effects. These can include:

• Severe pain, such as stomachache or headache

• Dizziness or weakness

• Severe bleeding or bruising

Anticoagulant risks

Anticoagulant drug therapy is generally safe, but there are some risks if you have other medical conditions or take certain medications.

Before you take a prescribed anticoagulant, be sure to tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions or issues:

• High blood pressure

• Ulcers or bleeding in your stomach, intestines, lungs, or urinary tract

• An infection in the lining of your heart (endocarditis)

• You recently had medical procedures on your eyes, brain, or spine

• Aneurysm or bleeding in the brain

• Congestive heart failure

• Liver or kidney disease

Tell your doctor if you have medical conditions that cause an increased risk of bleeding.

Anticoagulant drug interactions 

When you begin a new medication, make sure to tell your doctor about any other prescription medications, over-the-counter medicines, or herbs you’re taking. Some medications that might interact with an anticoagulant include:

• Other antiplatelet agents or medicines to prevent clots

• Antibiotics or antifungal medicine

• Nutritional supplements that contain vitamin K

• Herbal products, such as St. John's wort