The Beat Goes On:
Living with Atrial Fibrillation
Anticoagulant medicines are the most common form of treatment for VTE. These medicines make it less likely for clots to form and prevents any clots you do have from getting bigger.
Heparin is given in an IV or injection. This is usually used only while you are in the hospital or when you are first diagnosed with VTE.
Warfarin (Coumadin®) is a pill that is usually taken once daily. Blood tests are used to check to see if you are taking the right amount of medicine. Because they may change the way the warfarin works, be sure to talk to your healthcare team about:
Direct oral anticoagulants treat or prevent VTE, and don’t need regular blood tests or special diets.
You may take anticoagulant medicine for a few weeks or several months. Some people may have to take them for years, or for the rest of their life. While taking these medicines, be sure to:
Avoid activities that put you at risk for injury or bleeding
Wear a medical bracelet to let others know you are taking an anticoagulant medicine.
It is important that you let all of your healthcare professionals, including your dentist, know which anticoagulant you are taking. A reversal medicine may be needed to stop the bleeding in the case of an emergency.
Interactive Guide