Use of other medications while taking anticoagulants

Anticoagulant medications cause the blood to clot more slowly. While taking an anticoagulant, it is necessary to keep a delicate balance between:

• Having your blood clot too quickly, which increases your risk for clots.
• Having your blood clot too slowly, which increases your risk for bleeding.

To maintain this balance and prevent complications, you should be aware of changes you may need to make in your lifestyle.

Medication interactions

Many medications can interfere with blood-clotting time and should be avoided. For example, aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can raise your risk of bleeding.

Do not take any medications, vitamins, or minerals unless you first talk to your doctor.

Some of the more common medications that may interfere with blood clotting are:

• Aspirin.
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen (for example, Motrin).
• Some antibiotics.
• Some seizure medications.
• Birth control pills or patches, or hormone therapy.