WARNING: Your Everyday Pills Could Be Hiding a Dangerous Blood Clot Risk – Here’s How to Stay Safe!

Blood clots are an essential part of the body’s healing process. They help stop bleeding after an injury.
But when a clot develops inside a deep vein without a good reason, it can become dangerous.
A deep vein thrombosis (DVT) usually develops in a deep vein of the leg. If part of that clot breaks loose and travels to the lungs, it can cause a pulmonary embolism (PE)—a potentially life-threatening emergency. CDC
Many factors can increase blood-clot risk, including surgery, prolonged immobility, pregnancy, cancer and previous blood clots. Certain medications can also increase risk in some people. CDC
Here are some important medication categories to know about.

 

1. Estrogen-Containing Birth Control
   Some birth-control pills, patches and vaginal rings contain estrogen.
   Estrogen can change clotting proteins in the blood and increase the tendency for clots to form. The CDC lists estrogen-containing contraceptives among recognized risk factors for DVT and PE. CDC
2. 1. 1. That doesn’t mean everyone taking birth control will develop a blood clot.
         The individual’s overall risk matters, including factors such as previous blood clots, inherited clotting disorders, obesity and prolonged immobility.
         If you’re concerned about your individual risk, discuss the available contraceptive options with a healthcare professional rather than stopping treatment independently.

    

   1. 1. Menopausal Hormone Therapy
         Hormone replacement therapy used to manage menopause symptoms can also contain estrogen.
         The FDA states that, for some women, menopausal hormone medicines can increase the risk of serious problems including blood clots, stroke and heart attack. U.S. Food and Drug Administration
         Risk isn’t identical for everyone, so the benefits and risks should be considered individually with a healthcare professional.

    

   1. Certain JAK Inhibitors
      JAK inhibitors are prescription medicines used for certain inflammatory conditions.
      Examples include tofacitinib (Xeljanz), baricitinib (Olumiant) and upadacitinib (Rinvoq).
      The FDA requires prominent warnings about blood clots and other serious risks for
   2. 1. 1. these medications. The warning followed evidence from a large safety trial involving tofacitinib and subsequent regulatory evaluation of the drug class. U.S. Food and Drug Administration
            These aren’t medications that should be abruptly discontinued because of something read online. Patients should discuss their individual risk factors with the clinician managing their treatment.

       

      1. 1. Certain Cancer Treatments
            Cancer itself can substantially increase the risk of venous blood clots, and some cancer treatments can add to that risk.
            The CDC includes cancer and its treatment among conditions associated with increased DVT and PE risk. CDC
            For cancer patients, clinicians consider the combined effects of the cancer, treatment, hospitalization, surgery, mobility and other personal risk factors.

       

      1. Some Fertility and Hormonal Treatments
         Because increased estrogen is a recognized contributor to venous blood-clot risk, medications that significantly affect estrogen exposure may require additional consideration in people who already have other clotting risk factors. CDC
         Individual
      2. 1. 1. risk varies considerably, so this is an area where personal medical history matters more than a generic list found online.
               Your Medication Isn’t the Only Factor
               Blood clots rarely come down to a single factor.
               According to the CDC, recognized risk factors include:

          

         • Previous DVT or PE
         • Major surgery or serious injury
         • Long periods with little movement
         • Estrogen-containing medication
         • Pregnancy and the period after delivery
         • Cancer and cancer treatment
         • Family history of blood clots
         • Inherited clotting disorders
         • Increasing age
         • Overweight or obesity CDC
           Having multiple risk factors at the same time can further increase the likelihood of developing DVT or PE. CDC
           Warning Signs of a Blood Clot in the Leg
           A DVT often affects one leg.
           Possible symptoms include swelling, pain or tenderness, and redness or discoloration of the skin. CDC
           These symptoms aren’t always caused by a blood clot, but unexplained symptoms—especially in someone with clotting risk factors—deserve
         • prompt medical attention.
           When a Blood Clot Reaches the Lungs
           A pulmonary embolism is much more urgent.
           Possible warning signs include sudden difficulty breathing, chest pain that may worsen when taking a deep breath or coughing, coughing up blood, an unusually fast or irregular heartbeat, lightheadedness or fainting. CDC
           These symptoms require immediate medical attention.
           Don’t Suddenly Stop Your Medication
           Finding your medication on a blood-clot risk list doesn’t automatically mean you should stop taking it.
           The actual risk can depend on the medication, dose, medical condition being treated and your personal risk factors.
           Stopping some medications can itself be dangerous. For example, the current FDA prescribing information for the anticoagulant apixaban (Eliquis) warns that stopping it prematurely can increase the risk of blood clots and stroke. FDA Access Data
           Instead, ask your doctor or pharmacist questions such as: Does this medicine increase my blood-clot risk? Do I have other
      3. risk factors? Is monitoring necessary? Are there appropriate alternatives?
         How to Lower Your Risk
         For many people, reducing long periods of immobility is important.
         Long-distance travel and extended sitting can slow blood flow in the legs. The risk associated with travel is generally small for most people, but it becomes more important when additional risk factors are present. CDC
         If you’re having surgery or being hospitalized, make sure your healthcare team knows about any previous blood clots, family history of clotting disorders and all medications you’re taking.
         The Bottom Line
         Certain medications—including estrogen-containing contraceptives, some menopause hormone therapies and specific JAK inhibitors—can increase blood-clot risk in some people. Cancer and its treatment can also increase risk.  But medication is only part of the picture. Age, surgery, immobility, pregnancy, obesity, cancer, previous clots and inherited conditions can also influence risk.
         The safest response isn’t to throw away a medication. It’s
   3. to understand your personal risk and discuss concerns with a healthcare professional.
      This article is for general informational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice. Never stop or change a prescribed medication without consulting a qualified healthcare professional.