Anticoagulants

Overview

What is anticoagulation

Anticoagulation is treatment used to inhibit the formation of blood clots. Blood clots are dangerous because they may block blood vessels, which can lead to a range of medical problems like stroke, heart attack, and deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Anticoagulation therapies (or anticoagulants) are designed to regulate the body’s ability to clot, in turn reducing the risk of complications.

What is a blood clot

A blood clot is a clump that forms from blood cells, platelets, and proteins sticking together. If an injury is sustained and bleeding occurs, the body creates a blood clot to stop the bleed. The body typically disintegrates and eliminates the blood clot after the bleeding has stopped. However, there are situations when the body makes too many or abnormal blood clots, blood clots form in the wrong place, or the blood clots don’t break down as they should. Anticoagulation therapies work to control the clotting process and ensure that it remains balanced and appropriate.

There are two primary classifications of blood clots:

Thrombus: A thrombus is a blood clot that forms within a blood vessel or the heart. It can obstruct blood flow and lead to health issues, such as heart attack and deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
Embolus: An embolus is a blood clot that breaks away from its original location and travels through the bloodstream. When an embolus becomes lodged in a narrower blood vessel, it can block blood flow to vital organs, resulting in conditions like pulmonary embolism or stroke.

Questions regarding your anticoagulation therapy?

You can reach the Accredo Anticoagulation care team anytime, day or night, seven days a week.

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References:
Anticoagulants. The Texas Heart Institute. Accessed October 17, 2023. www.texasheart.org/heart-health/heart-information-center/topics/anticoagulants/
Blood Clots. American Society of Hematology. Accessed October 17, 2023. www.hematology.org/education/patients/blood-clots
Blood Clots. National Library of Medicine. April 21, 2021. Accessed October 17, 2023. medlineplus.gov/bloodclots.html
Blood Thinners. National Library of Medicine. January 31, 2022. Accessed October 17, 2023. medlineplus.gov/bloodthinners.html
Venous Thromboembolism (Blood Clots). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. October 12, 2023. Accessed October 17, 2023. www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/dvt/index.html

Symptoms

What are the symptoms of a blood clot

It is crucial to recognize the symptoms of a blood clot, as quick medical intervention can prevent severe complications. Symptoms may vary depending on the location of the clot. For example, a clot that forms in a deep vein, like in the leg, can cause a condition called deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Alternatively, a clot that travels to the lungs can cause a condition called pulmonary embolism (PE). DVT and PE symptoms are often different, but both conditions can be life-threatening. Therefore, it is important to spot the symptoms of blood clots throughout the body. Some symptoms include:

Swelling: Swelling in the affected area, often in the leg or arm, is a commonly seen with deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
Pain or Tenderness: The area around the clot may become painful or tender, especially when touched or when the affected limb is moved.
Warm and Redness: The skin over the clot can feel warm to the touch and may appear red or discolored.
Shortness of Breath: Patients with pulmonary embolism often report sudden shortness of breath. Additionally, they may experience rapid heart rate and coughing up blood.
Chest Pain: Chest pain or discomfort, particularly when breathing deeply or when making certain movements, can also be seen with pulmonary embolism.
Leg Cramps: Individuals with DVT may experience leg cramps or a sensation similar to a “charley horse” in the calf muscles.
Localized Symptoms: As noted, symptoms can be specific to the clot’s location. For instance, a clot in the abdomen may cause abdominal pain.

Blood clots can sometimes develop without any noticeable symptoms, which is why they can be particularly dangerous. If you suspect a blood clot or experience any of these symptoms, seek immediate medical attention. Timely diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent complications associated with blood clots.

How is it diagnosed

Diagnosing a blood clot typically involves a combination of clinical evaluation, medical history, and various diagnostic tests. The specific diagnostic approach depends on the suspected location and type of clot. Common tests and procedures used to diagnose blood clots include:

Medical History and Physical Examination: Healthcare providers often start by taking a detailed medical history, to identify risk factors for blood clots. Next, they will perform a physical examination to assess for signs and symptoms.
Ultrasound: This is the most common diagnostic test for blood clots. It uses sound waves to create images of the blood vessels and unveil the presence of clots.
D-dimer Test: A blood test can be performed to detect D-dimer, which is a substance released into the blood when a clot breaks down. Elevated levels of D-dimer may suggest a clot exists. Of note, this test is not definitive, but it can be used in combination with other diagnostic methods.
Venography: This method involves injecting a contrast dye into a large vein, then taking x-rays, in order to visualize the veins and identify clots. This procedure is invasive and less common.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan: This test uses magnetic fields and radio waves to produce detailed images of the blood vessels and detect blood clots.

Medications

The following specialty medications are available at Accredo for anticoagulation

Brand Name	Generic Name	Indications (Uses)
Arixtra	Fondaparinux	Prophylaxis of Deep Vein Thrombosis Treatment of Acute Deep Vein Thrombosis Treatment of Acute Pulmonary Embolism
Fragmin	Dalteparin	Prophylaxis of Ischemic Complications in Unstable Angina and Non-Q-Wave Myocardial Infarction Prophylaxis of Deep Vein Thrombosis Extended Treatment of Symptomatic Venous Thromboembolism (VTE) in Adult Patients with Cancer Treatment of Symptomatic Venous Thromboembolism (VTE) in Pediatric Patients
Lovenox	Enoxaparin	Prophylaxis of Deep Vein Thrombosis Treatment of Acute Deep Vein Thrombosis Prophylaxis of Ischemic Complications of Unstable Angina and Non–Q-Wave Myocardial Infarction Treatment of Acute ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction

Financing Your Care

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Financing Your Care

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Finding Support

Anticoagulation Organizations

There are many organizations that support research and advocacy for anticoagulation. See below for a few of those organizations.

Support Organizations

National Blood Clot Alliance

American Blood Clot Association

Government Organizations

CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

National Library of Medicine

American Society of Hematology

Accredo Team

Meet the Team

Accredo’s Anticoagulation care team is dedicated to serving you, and we understand the complexity of your condition. Our specialty-trained clinicians are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to answer any questions.

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24-hour Customer Service Center

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