What are blood thinners?

Despite their name, blood thinners don't actually thin the blood. Instead, they help blood flow smoothly through blood vessels, preventing clots from forming that can lead to heart attacks and strokes. 

They are often prescribed for people with atrial fibrillation, a condition that causes the heart to beat faster and more irregularly than normal. It affects more than a million people in the UK, about 7% of those over 65.

ARE ALL BLOOD THINNER MEDICINES ANTICOPLATERAL MEDICINES?

There are two types of blood thinners: anticoagulants, which slow the blood's ability to form clots, and antiplatelet drugs, which prevent blood cells called platelets from sticking together to form clots. 

Both of these medications are considered blood thinners.

What are the most common blood thinners?

The most common blood thinners are aspirin, which can be purchased over-the-counter, and Warfarin, which requires a prescription. 

The number of people in the UK taking prescription blood thinners is set to rise sharply in 2021, as the NHS has agreed to significantly expand the number of blood thinners that can be prescribed by 2024. 

However, like any medication, blood thinners have side effects, especially when combined with alcohol.

WHAT KIND OF BLOOD THINNER IS ASPIRIN? 

Aspirin is an antiplatelet drug, not an anticoagulant. It works by making the blood less sticky, so it belongs to a group of drugs called blood thinners. An estimated one billion people worldwide take aspirin every day to prevent heart problems.

CAN I DRINK ALCOHOL WHILE TAKING BLOOD THINNER?

Caution should be exercised when drinking alcohol for two reasons. First, alcohol itself is a blood thinner and can affect the blood's ability to clot. When combined with medical blood thinners, the effects of both substances can be amplified and reduce the blood's ability to clot. 

Second, drinking alcohol can interfere with the way medications work, and blood thinners are no exception. You should check with your GP about whether it is safe to drink alcohol before taking blood thinners. 

If you drink alcohol, don't exceed the recommended weekly maximum of 14 units of alcohol (a glass of wine is 2 units and a pint of beer or draft is 2 or 3 units).

IS IT SAFE TO COMBINE ASPIRIN WITH ALCOHOL?

In most cases, low-dose aspirin and responsible alcohol use are not dangerous. However, drinking too much alcohol with aspirin can cause nausea and vomiting, heartburn, stomach ulcers, and gastrointestinal bleeding. 

Aspirin can increase the toxicity of alcohol, so you may get drunk faster and be more susceptible to alcohol poisoning.

HOW DOES ALCOHOL INTERACT WITH BLOOD THINNER MEDICINES?

Because alcohol itself is a blood thinner, when combined with medical blood thinners, your blood can become too thin, making clotting difficult and possibly causing excessive bleeding. 

Alcohol can also change the time it takes for your body to break down blood thinners, causing them to stay in your system longer. This can affect how well the medication works and mess up your dosage. You should not take another dose until your body has finished processing the previous dose. 

If you drink more alcohol than recommended and take blood-thinning medications, you are at risk of bleeding. Always be honest with your doctor about your relationship with alcohol before starting any medication.

What are the most common prescription blood thinners?

 

Warfarin 

Warfarin is an anticoagulant medication, available in tablet or liquid form. It is estimated that at least 1% of the UK population and 8% of people over 80 are taking warfarin. 

CAN I DRINK ALCOHOL WITH XARELTO? 

If you take Warfarin and drink alcohol, your blood cannot clot properly and you may experience serious bleeding. For this reason, you should limit your alcohol intake to one or two drinks.

Xarelto 

Also known as rivaroxaban, this is an anticoagulant medication, which comes in tablet and granule form, and is often prescribed if you have a blood clot in your lungs (pulmonary embolism). 

CAN I DRINK ALCOHOL WITH XARELTO?

Yes, but drinking too much or too little alcohol increases your risk of excessive bleeding.

Plavix 

Also known as clopidogrel and sold under the brand name Grepid, this is an antiplatelet medication that comes in tablet form. You may be prescribed this medication along with or instead of low-dose aspirin. 

CAN I DRINK ALCOHOL WITH XARELTO?

Yes, if taken in moderation. However, if taken in excess, it can cause stomach irritation.

Eliquis 

Also known as apixaban, this is an anticoagulant medication that comes in tablet form. 

CAN I DRINK ALCOHOL WITH ELIQUIS ?

Yes, as long as you do not exceed 14 units of alcohol per week. However, if you drink a lot in a short period of time (e.g. binge drinking), you may increase the effects of Eliquis and increase your risk of bleeding.

WHY DOES A PERSON NEED TO TAKE BLOOD THINNER?

Blood thinners are prescribed for people at high risk of developing blood clots, which can lead to heart attacks, strokes, mini-strokes (transient ischemic attacks), deep vein thrombosis (blood clots in the legs), and pulmonary embolism (blood clots in the lungs). 

You may also take blood thinners if you have atrial fibrillation (irregular heartbeat), a mechanical heart valve, or a condition that makes your blood clot too often (thrombophilia).

ALCOHOL AND BLOOD THINNER MEDICATIONS BEFORE SURGERY

You may also be prescribed blood thinners before or after surgery when you may need to be immobile for a period of time. 

During this period, you may be taking painkillers and other medications, so it is important to seek medical advice before drinking alcohol, and make sure you do not exceed the recommended weekly units of alcohol. This is because alcohol can interact with any of these medications.

HOW TO DISSOLVE BLOOD CLOTS NATURALLY? 

Your body can naturally dissolve a blood clot in about six months, but in the meantime, the clot can cause serious damage to your health, putting you at risk of a stroke or heart attack. For this reason, if you suspect you have a blood clot, you should seek medical advice immediately and may be prescribed anticoagulants, rather than waiting for it to go away on its own. 

Symptoms of blood clots include: 

· Pressure, throbbing, cramping, or pain in the legs or arms 

· Skin discoloration 

· Skin feels warm 

· Swollen, painful veins 

· Severe chest pain 

· Shortness of breath 

· Coughing up blood 

· Blood in urine 

Blood thinners, whether anticoagulants or antiplatelets, do not dissolve blood clots, but they can prevent clots from forming and keep small clots from getting larger. They do this by helping blood flow smoothly through blood vessels.

WHICH FOODS HAVE BLOOD THINNING PROPERTIES? 

Spices like ginger, turmeric, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper have blood-thinning properties, as do foods rich in vitamin K like leafy greens, liver, egg yolks, and aged cheese. However, it is important to maintain a steady diet if you are taking blood-thinning medications, especially Warfarin. 

Any major changes to your diet – including increasing your intake of blood-thinning foods – can alter the effects of prescription medication, so seek medical advice. Even herbal supplements such as St John's Wort, and herbal teas such as chamomile and green tea can interfere with Warfarin.

When should you see a doctor? 

If you feel you might have a blood clot, especially if you've recently had surgery or been immobile for a period of time (deep vein thrombosis is a blood clot in the leg often associated with long flights), you need to seek emergency medical treatment. 

Vomiting blood can be a sign of a blood clot in the lungs, and blood in the urine can be a sign of a blood clot in the kidneys. Both require urgent attention. 

If you drink more alcohol than recommended while taking prescription blood thinners, talk to your doctor. You may need help managing your relationship with alcohol in addition to your need for anticoagulants. Even if you don’t consider yourself a heavy drinker, regular alcohol use can negatively impact your blood thinners. 

You may be prescribed blood thinners for decades or even for life. If you abuse alcohol while taking these medications, you may increase your risk of stroke, heart attack, or life-threatening blood clots. Your alcohol use can be dangerous as the sticky blood clogs your veins.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

👉 Contact SunCare for medical support and advice as well as professional private jet transportation services 🇸🇬 SUNCARE PTE. LTD SINGAPORE
🏠 Add: 10 Anson Road, #10-11 International Plaza, Singapore 079903
☎️ Hotline: +65 96727717 (Dr. Lien Minh - Director) Zalo, Viber
📨 Email: suncarehealth@gmail.com