Anticoagulant prescriptions available online

Take anticoagulants as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Most people take anticoagulation drugs once or twice daily, at the same times each day. It's important to follow your regular dosing schedule because some anticoagulation drugs can start to wear off within a day.

Certain anticoagulants, such as warfarin and Pradaxa (dabigatran), should be taken with water. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions about taking your prescription.

To make sure anticoagulation therapy is safe for you, talk to your doctor if you have any of the following conditions:

• 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

• Atrial fibrillation

• Liver or kidney disease

In addition, tell your healthcare provider if you have any other medical conditions or take medications that may lead to an increased bleeding risk.

It depends on the type of anticoagulant you're taking. Vitamin K antagonists prevent clots from forming by blocking vitamin K, and it usually takes two or three days for these drugs to take full effect. Direct oral anticoagulants typically work more quickly, helping to prevent clotting factors within two to four hours.

When taking anticoagulation drug therapy, avoid any activities that may increase your risk of bleeding or potential injury. Use extra care to prevent bleeding while shaving or brushing your teeth. You may bleed more easily for several days after you stop taking anticoagulants.

Avoid any changes to your diet unless directed by your doctor. Foods that are high in vitamin K can make vitamin k antagonists less effective. Talk to your doctor about reducing your vitamin K intake if you're prescribed a vitamin K antagonist.

Grapefruit juice, cranberry juice, and pomegranate juice may interact with anticoagulation drug therapy and cause unwanted side effects. Avoid drinking these fruit juices and alcohol while taking an anticoagulant.

Ask your doctor for medical advice before taking medication for pain, arthritis, fever, or swelling. These medicines may affect blood clotting and increase your risk of bleeding.

Anticoagulants are medicines that stop coagulation (prevent blood clots) and break up existing clots. Anticoagulation drug therapy is prescribed to people who face a higher risk of getting clots to reduce their risk of serious conditions, such as strokes or heart attacks.

No, aspirin is not considered an anticoagulant. Aspirin may be used as an antiplatelet medication to prevent blood cells (platelets) from clumping together to form a blood clot. Do not use aspirin to lower your risk of blood clots without talking to your healthcare provider.

Anticoagulant drugs are used to stop blood clots. They can treat blood clots in the veins (venous thrombosis), lungs (pulmonary embolism), and in people with atrial fibrillation (heartbeat irregularity). Anticoagulant therapy can help lower your risk of life-threatening conditions like stroke and heart attack.