Blood thinners are medications used to prevent the formation of blood clots and stroke. It is taken by millions of people in the USA, including those diagnosed with atrial fibrillation (a heart rhythm disorder). The dosage of the drug is adjusted based on the blood test done on the patient. Sometimes, the patients are expected to do a test every other week in order to prescribe the right amount of drug. It is imperative to prescribe the right measure of the drug, as it can increase the risk of bleeding if prescribed in large doses and on the contrary it may not help in preventing clots if the dosage is low.
The most commonly prescribed drug treatments are:
- Unfractionated Heparin (UFH) : This is a fast-acting drug that works with antithrombin, a natural protein that is present in the body, to prevent clotting. The drug is administered in a hospital intravenously (IV) through the arm vein or as a subcutaneous injection under the skin. Initially, the dosage is determined by the patient’s body weight. Once UFH is administered, there will be regular blood testing, sometimes on a daily basis. This is done to ensure that the drug administered is the right amount.
- Low Molecular Weight Heparin (LMWH) : This is derived from UFH by depolymerization or digestion of longer heparin chains into shorter ones by chemical or enzymatic methods.
These short LMWH last longer and are better for the body than the UFH. Though both the UFH and LMWH have similar working methods, LMWH can be administered at home by oneself via subcutaneous injection. Also, this does not require regular blood monitoring. The dosage is determined by the body weight.
Warfarin : Currently, a majority of the patients who have been prescribed an anticoagulant take the drug warfarin in the form of a pill. Warfarin is taken for a period ranging from a few weeks to lifelong, depending on the patient’s diagnosis and clot risks in the future. It works by impeding the liver’s ability to produce coagulating proteins. The dosage is personalized and regular blood analysis is required to administer the correct amount of the drug. Direct Oral Anticoagulant (DOAC) Medications : Several new anticoagulants are out in the market, in the recent past. These drugs do not require regular blood analysis. They work by interfering in the process involved in making fibrin. Fibrin is essential in blood clotting. DOAC’s are rapid yet short-acting drugs with low bleeding risks in comparison to the other drugs. Hence, they are the preferred drug as they are as effective as Warfarin. Despite, the ability of the anticoagulant in preventing clotting and strokes, there is an increased risk of the medication causing life-threatening bleeding. Therefore, it is advisable to always consult a doctor before proceeding with the medication and also follow the dosage as mentioned.
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