Blood clots can form in the blood vessels of the body. Blood clots that form in the heart result in a heart attack (myocardial infarction). Blood clots that occur in the brain lead to a stroke. Sometimes, blood clots form in the leg and this is called a deep vein thrombosis (DVT). DVT's can move up the body and obstruct the blood vessels of the lung and lead to a medical condition called a pulmonary embolism. Fortunately, there are medications used to manage these blood clots.
Warfarin
MedlinePlus says that warfarin is an anticoagulant medication used to prevent existing blood clots from growing. It also prevents the formation of new blood clots. Specifically, warfarin is prescribed to people with abnormal heartbeats, a history of a heart attack and those who've had a mechanical heart valve implanted. These individuals are especially prone to blood clots in the lungs or veins.
Warfarin's side effects include gas (flatulence), fatigue, loss of hair (alopecia), chills and pale skin. This medication can also cause vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, loss of appetite and priapism. Priapism refers to a painful erection that sustains for four or more hours. Warfarin can also cause muscle or joint pain, stomach pain, yellowing of the eyes or skin, a fever and chest pain, says MedlinePlus. Warfarin may also increase the risk of bleeding and even lead to death.
People with a history of bleeding disorders, high blood pressure, a heart attack, pericarditis (a heart infection), a stroke, chronic diarrhea and liver or kidney disease should not take warfarin.
Warfarin is a tablet that should be taken daily with or without food.
Heparin
Heparin, like warfarin, is an anticoagulant medication used to prevent blood clot formation. Specifically, heparin treats blood clots that occur in the lungs, veins and arteries, says Drugs.com. It also says heparin is used prior to surgery to prevent blood clots from forming.
Heparin's side effects include itching of the feet, blue-colored skin, and pain, redness and warmth at the injection site. Drugs.com says that heparin can also cause trouble breathing, pain or swelling in the legs, a sudden headache, confusion, numbness on one side of the body and speech problems. In some cases, heparin can lead to bleeding. For example, individuals may develop nosebleeds (epistaxis) and bloody urine or stools.
Heparin is given as an injection through the muscle. This drug should be used as a physician indicates.
Dalteparin
Like heparin and warfarin, dalteparin is also an anticoagulant drug, commonly known as a blood thinner. It, too, is used to prevent blood clots in the blood vessels and lungs. Dalteparin is also used prior to surgical procedures to decrease the risk for blood clot formations.
Drugs.com says that dalteparin can cause such side effects as weakness, easy bleeding or bruising, coughing up blood, bloody stools, sweating, nausea, confusion, numbness on one particular side of the body and swelling and pain in the legs. Dalteparin can also cause lightheadedness and fainting.
Dalteparin, like heparin, is given as an injection in the thighs, buttocks or stomach. Follow physician's instructions when using dalteparin.
