Blood Thinner Management - Anticoagulation

At the Anticoagulation Clinic, patients at risk for harmful clot formation are given an oral anticoagulant, Coumadin (warfarin). Patients are referred to the Anticoagulation Clinic by their doctor for blood thinner management.

What is anticoagulation?

Blood clots are made of red blood cells, platelets, white blood cells, and other components. They can be beneficial to stop and prevent bleeding, but harmful clots can block blood flow to important areas in your body. Anticoagulants are medications that prevent these components from sticking together to form a blood clot. When taken properly, anticoagulant medications (sometimes known as "blood thinners") work by increasing the time it takes your body to form a blood clot.

The anticoagulant medications include:

• Coumadin® (warfarin)
• Lovenox® (enoxaparin)
• Eliquis® (apixaban)
• Savaysa® (edoxaban)
• Xarelto® (rivaroxaban)
• Pradaxa® (dabigatran)

Why would I need these medications?

You may be prescribed these medications to prevent harmful blood clots from forming. Harmful blood clots can cause a heart attack, stroke, deep vein thrombosis (usually a clot in the leg), or pulmonary embolism (a clot in the lungs). Also, you may be on these medications for atrial fibrillation, heart valve replacements, and other reasons.

Your visit to the Anticoagulation Clinic

The pharmacist conducting the Anticoagulation Clinic is a registered pharmacist, highly trained and skilled in medication therapies, monitoring medication results, adjusting dosages, and preventing dangerous drug interactions. The pharmacist will maintain ongoing, confidential communication with you and your physician about your progress throughout your treatment.

On your first visit to the Anticoagulation Clinic, the pharmacist will ask you about:

• Your health
• Your lifestyle
• Medical history
• Other medications you are taking

Because many things affect the way anticoagulants work in your body, it is important that the pharmacist know everything you take, both prescription and on-prescription medications as well as all “natural” or “herbal” vitamins or remedies.

During your appointment at the Anticoagulation Clinic, the lab technician will perform a finger stick to get a few drops of blood, then test that blood to identify how long it takes to clot. Results are available immediately so that during your visit your medication dosage can be adjusted if needed. The pharmacist will also promptly communicate your test results directly with your physician.