Blood thinners (anticoagulants) include heparin, warfarin (Coumadin), enoxaparin (Lovenox), dalteparin (Fragmin), and aspirin. Anticoagulants increase the time it takes for a blood clot to form and are often used to treat the following health conditions:

• Transient ischemic attack (TIA)
• Stroke
• A clot in a deep vein (deep vein thrombosis)
• Blood clot in the lung (pulmonary embolus)
• Abnormal heart rhythm (atrial fibrillation)
• Artificial heart valve

Since blood thinners increase the time it takes for blood to clot, nosebleeds may be more difficult to control in people who take blood thinners. A nosebleed may be the first sign that the medication dosage is too high.

If you are taking a blood thinner and a nosebleed occurs, see how to stop a nosebleed. If the nosebleed does not stop, or a nosebleed stops but then begins again, call your health professional to discuss your symptoms.