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Anticoagulants
Anticoagulant prescriptions available online
Learn how anticoagulants can help prevent blood clots with a consultation from one of our board-certified doctors online. Get a new prescription or refill for anticoagulants from a top-rated doctor online.*
Book an appointmentHelp disrupt the formation of blood clots
Three types of anticoagulant medications
Blood clots can become life-threatening
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About anticoagulants
Anticoagulants are medications designed to reduce your blood's ability to clot. They break down existing blood clots and prevent new clots from forming. They’re often prescribed to treat blood clots, but they’re also used for other conditions. There are three prescription anticoagulants: vitamin K antagonists, direct oral anticoagulants, and low molecular weight heparin anticoagulants.
What anticoagulants treat
The most common condition treated with anticoagulants is blood clots. When blood clots form in your bloodstream, they can become life-threatening. Large blood clots can get stuck in smaller blood vessels, which can block blood flow to your organs.
Blockages from blood clots can lead to life-threatening conditions, such as stroke, heart attack, pulmonary embolism, and venous thromboembolism. Anticoagulant therapy works by interrupting the formation of blood clots. They're sometimes called "blood thinners," although they don't actually make your blood thinner.
Types of anticoagulants available online
The three types of anticoagulant medications are called vitamin K antagonists, direct oral anticoagulants, and low molecular weight heparins. Depending on the type of anticoagulant, your medication will disrupt the clotting process in different ways to prevent clots.
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)
How anticoagulants work
If a blood clot blocks blood flow through a blood vessel, that part of your body can become deprived of oxygen and stop working correctly. Anticoagulants work by disrupting the formation of blood clots, which helps lower your risk of heart attack, stroke, deep vein thrombosis, and pulmonary embolism.
Anticoagulation therapy interferes with normal clotting factors to prevent or undo coagulation—the process where blood solidifies to form a blood clot. Different anticoagulants work differently to stop clotting.
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
Anticoagulants you can get online
Pradaxa (dabigatran)
Xarelto (rivaroxaban)
Eliquis (apixaban)
Savaysa (edoxaban)
Anticoagulant FAQs
How should I take anticoagulants?
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.Who shouldn’t take anticoagulants?
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.How long does it take for anticoagulants to work?
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.
What should I avoid with anticoagulants?
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.What do anticoagulants mean?
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.
Is aspirin an anticoagulant?
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.
What is anticoagulant used for?
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.
3 simple steps to getting anticoagulants online

Step 1
Book an appointment to discuss anticoagulants.
Book a same day appointment from anywhere.

Step 2
Talk to your doctor online regarding anticoagulants.
You can see a doctor on your smartphone or computer.

Step 3
Pick up your anticoagulants.
We can send anticoagulants to any local pharmacy.
Anticoagulant pricing details
How pricing works
To get anticoagulants online, join our monthly membership and get discounted visits.
Paying with insurance
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$14.99/month
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Visit price with insurance
Often the same as an office visit. Most patients with in-network insurance pay $30 or less!
We accept these insurance plans and many more:
Paying without insurance
Membership
$14.99/month
First month free
First visit
$129
Repeats only $99
30 days of free membership
Same-day appointments 7 days a week
Unlimited messages with your Care Team
Prescription discount card to save up to 80%
Exclusive discounts on lab tests
Free memberships for your family
Cancel anytime
Visit price without insurance
Initial visits are $129 and follow-ups are only $99 for active members.
If we're unable to treat you, we'll provide a full refund.
Anticoagulant resources
Sources:
PlushCare is dedicated to providing you with accurate and trustworthy health information
Cleveland Clinic. Anticoagulants (Blood Thinners). Accessed on October 19, 2022. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/22288-anticoagulants
MedlinePlus. Blood Thinners. Accessed on October 19, 2022. https://medlineplus.gov/bloodthinners.html
National Health Service. Anticoagulants. Accessed on October 19, 2022. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/anticoagulants/