Anticoagulation

Many people need to take anticoagulants (blood-thinners). Common reasons for this type of treatment include congenital heart defects, heart valve replacements, heart rhythm disorders or prior complicated surgeries such as the Fontan operation. Blood-thinning medicines slow blood clotting, preventing complications like blood clots forming on artificial valves, valve obstruction and blood clots traveling to the brain and causing stroke.

Bleeding may be a complication of taking these medications. Tell your doctor if you begin to bruise easily, or you notice unusual bleeding anywhere including gums or nosebleeds.

Diagnosis

You may be given anticoagulants by your doctor if you are at risk of stroke, blood clots, or have atrial fibrillation, among other things. Check with your doctor for blood tests and an assessment to decide whether anticoagulant therapy is suitable for you, or whether another form of treatment will work better. He/she will ask you questions about your health history as well as about your lifestyle, including your activity level, your eating and drinking habits, and more.

Treatment

Anticoagulants are usually given by mouth. In some cases they’re given by vein (intravenously) or by injecting them just under the skin (subcutaneously).

MEDICATION DISPENSED THROUGH FOSRX/FAST:

• Enoxaparin^® (LOVENOX)
• Fondaparinux^®
• Fragmin^®
• Heparin^®

DRUG INFORMATION

Drug information for this condition is made available by Factor One Source FAST Pharmacy upon request by emailing contact@fosrxfast.com directly, or by submitting an inquiry through our Contact Page.