![]() ![]() A person whose health and blood tests have been stable for some time typically only needs to have a PT test done once a month. This option may be best for a senior who has mobility issues but must closely monitor their INR. Patients who test at home usually need to test more often (up to once a week) than those who go to a lab or doctor's office since less expense and time are involved. These devices use a simple finger prick (similar to a blood glucose test for diabetics) to obtain a small blood sample for testing. If your loved one’s insurance company covers the medical equipment and expenses, or they meet certain Medicare eligibility requirements, they may be able to administer the test at home with a point-of-care (POC) device. The frequency that PT tests should be taken is determined by a doctor. If a senior’s numbers are outside of the above target ranges, it could be due to a bleeding disorder or reduced liver function, or it could simply indicate that lifestyle changes and/or alterations to their prescription are needed. An INR of 5 or more is considered dangerous. However, if their INR is too low, it increases their risk of suffering a dangerous clotting event. The higher a patient’s INR is, the longer it takes their blood to clot and the higher their risk for bleeding is. Someone who is receiving anticoagulation therapy should have results between 2 and 3.5 if their medicine is working correctly. The normal range for people who are not taking blood thinners is about 0.9 to 1.1. PT results are reported as an International Normalized Ratio (INR). This test can also find the cause of abnormal bleeding or bruising and check their liver function. To make sure this medication is working and the correct dosage is being administered, your loved one's doctor will prescribe regular prothombin time (PT) blood tests to measure how long it takes their blood to clot. Injuries that would be considered minor for most people may bruise or bleed excessively for people on anticoagulants. Patients sometimes experience “nuisance” bleeding that will not stop, like nose bleeds. One of the most notable side effects is excessive bleeding and bruising. Getting used to taking one of these drugs can be a process for both a patient and their caregiver. Although there may be some similarities between these two treatment options (such as the need to avoid injury and bleeding), this article addresses restrictions and suggestions for caring for a loved one who is specifically taking an anticoagulant drug. ![]() ![]() Your loved one’s doctor will determine which one is the best fit for their condition. Examples include aspirin therapy and clopidogrel (Plavix).Īlthough anticoagulants and anti-platelet medications employ different mechanisms to prevent blood clots and ensuing cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events, they both pose risks for increased bleeding. Anti-platelet drugs are another pharmaceutical option commonly prescribed as a less aggressive treatment for patients prone to thrombosis or thromboembolism due to conditions like angina, peripheral artery disease (PAD) and recovery from recent heart surgery.These drugs are used as aggressive treatments for patients with atrial fibrillation (a dangerous type of arrhythmia also known as AF or AFib) or those who are at a high risk for stroke. Heparin (brand names Clexane and Lovenox) is another commonly prescribed option, although it is taken by injection rather than orally. Popular alternatives to warfarin include dabigatran (Pradaxa), rivaroxiban (Xarelto) and apixaban (Eliquis). A popular one is warfarin, which goes by the brand names Coumadin and Jantoven and is administered in pill form. Anticoagulants are the most common blood thinners prescribed to seniors.Additionally, more antidotes will likely become available, so vitamin K may no longer be a standard treatment in the future. Newer, more advanced blood thinners work differently, and there are medications available that counteract their effects within minutes.Counteracting the effects of the blood thinner will allow your body to form a clot and stop the bleeding.National Institutes of Health Go to source #HOW TO STOP BLEEDING WHILE ON BLOOD THINNERS ARCHIVE#X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. Your healthcare providers will assess your condition and administer the right dose either orally or intravenously (by IV). ![]() In a bleeding emergency, a 1 to 5 mg dose of vitamin K is currently used to reverse the effects of this type of blood thinner. The most commonly prescribed blood thinner, coumadin (Warfarin), works by reducing your body’s ability to use vitamin K to produce blood clots. Counteract coumadin’s effects with vitamin K. ![]()
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