Anticoagulation therapy
Anticoagulation therapy is given to reduce the chance of blood clots forming. Our world-class haematology consultants are experts at diagnosing, managing and treating blood disorders and disease.
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What is it for?
Medication to thin the blood
Treatment overview
Anticoagulants make it take longer for blood clots to form, allowing the body to break down ones that are not needed. Most anticoagulants are taken as a tablet, but a few are given as an injection.
If you are on certain anticoagulants, you may need regular blood tests to ensure that your levels are in the correct range.
Blood clotting is important in health, as it stops bleeding when we have been injured. Some people have conditions that increase the chance of blood clots forming when they are not needed.
These clots can cause strokes, heart attacks or block the blood flow to the lungs. If you have previously had a blood clot, or have a condition that increases your risk, you might have been prescribed anticoagulation therapy.
If you think you might need to be on anticoagulation therapy then our specialists from London Haematology will guide you through the whole process, ensuring the treatment does not interfere with your life.
FAQ'S
Some patients have long-term risk factors for blood clots forming.
These can include having had previous clots (such as in stroke, heart attack, deep vein thrombosis), or ongoing medical conditions (such as an irregular heartbeat) that give a high risk of blood clots. These patients will likely have to take anticoagulation therapy for a long time.
You may be prescribed anticoagulation therapy for a short-term risk of clotting. This most commonly occurs after an operation, as rest and reduced activity can increase the chance of a clot forming.
Most newer anticoagulants do not need regular testing to measure levels. Warfarin is a blood-thinning medication that some patients may be prescribed.
If you are on this drug, you will need to take regular blood tests and adjust your dose based on the reading.
Home testing kits are available that you can use yourself.
All anticoagulants increase the risk of bleeding. If the bleeding is short-lived then no further treatment is immediately needed.
If this is happening frequently then you might want to talk to your specialist to see if any changes to your therapy are needed.
If you are having lots of bleeding episodes or the bleeding is severe, you should seek medical assistance.
Having an operation is a common thing to happen. You should always tell your surgeon and anaesthetist that you are on anticoagulation before your procedure.
If you are having an elective operation your surgeon may want to discuss with your specialist and make a comprehensive plan for your therapy.
Some people on long-term anticoagulation opt to wear medical alert jewellery, so that healthcare staff know that they are on anticoagulation therapy in an emergency.
Pregnancy can increase the risk of having blood clots. If you are already on anticoagulation, it may be preferable to discuss your wish to get pregnant with your specialist first.
It may be necessary to change the anticoagulation therapy that you are on during your pregnancy. It will also allow you and your specialist to come up with a plan for your anticoagulation after your baby is born.
When you are going to have your baby, you should make sure that the healthcare staff looking after you know that you are on anticoagulation therapy, and are aware of the plan from you and your specialist.