What are the long term side effects of blood thinners?

Asked by: Ms. Roma Kuhic  |  Last update: October 19, 2025
Score: 4.3/5 (11 votes)

Gastrointestinal issues: Chronic use of blood thinners can lead to gastrointestinal problems, such as ulcers in the stomach or intestines. Hemorrhagic stroke: Blood thinners can increase the risk of a hemorrhagic stroke, which occurs when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures.

What happens if you take blood thinners for too long?

Common Risk: Bleeding

Blood thinning medications save lives because they can treat or prevent dangerous blood clots. But they also pose one possible and very serious side effect: bleeding. Since blood thinners slow the clotting of blood, unwanted and sometimes dangerous bleeding can occur.

Can you ever get off blood thinners?

Certain patients with atrial fibrillation may be able to toss their blood thinners away, thanks to two devices designed to prevent blood clots that can lead to stroke.

What are the side effects of taking blood thinners every day?

What are the side effects of blood thinners?
  • Menstrual bleeding that is much heavier than normal.
  • Red or brown urine.
  • Bowel movements that are red or black.
  • Bleeding from the gums or nose that does not stop quickly.
  • Vomit that is brown or bright red.
  • Coughing up something red.
  • Severe pain, such as a headache or stomachache.

How long is it safe to take blood thinners?

This depends upon the reason for prescribing it. As a general rule warfarin is prescribed to treat a blood clot for 3 – 6 months. For an irregular heart beat, recurrent blood clots or some heart valve problems, warfarin is prescribed indefinitely.

The Truth About Long-Term Blood Thinner Use: Are You Safe?

17 related questions found

What foods should you not eat if you are on blood thinners?

Blood thinners: Eat fewer foods with vitamin K
  • Asparagus.
  • Broccoli.
  • Brussels sprouts.
  • Cauliflower.
  • Green onions.
  • Kale.
  • Parsley.
  • Spinach.

What is the new alternative to blood thinners?

The WATCHMAN Implant is a one-time, minimally invasive implant to reduce stroke risk for people with non-valvular AFib (NV-AFib), or AFib not caused by a heart valve problem. The WATCHMAN Implant device doesn't have the same bleeding risks associated with the long-term use of blood thinners.

What can you not drink on blood thinners?

Do not use or only drink small amounts of the following when taking warfarin:
  • Alcohol.
  • Chamomile or green tea.
  • Cranberry juice.
  • Grapefruit juice.

What is the greatest risk of taking blood thinners?

The most serious side effect associated with blood thinners is the risk of severe bleeding. You may bleed from different areas in your body, especially if you take more than your doctor has prescribed.

Do blood thinners make you very tired?

Aside from bleeding-related issues, there are several side effects that have been linked to blood thinners, such as nausea and low counts of cells in your blood. Low blood cell count can cause fatigue, weakness, dizziness and shortness of breath. Be careful mixing medications.

Do blood thinners affect weight?

No, it's not known to. Weight gain wasn't reported in clinical trials of Eliquis. However, it's possible you may gain weight due to the reason you're taking Eliquis. For example, being less mobile raises your risk of deep vein thrombosis, which Eliquis is used to treat and prevent.

What is the safest blood thinner to be on?

A 2022 study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine found apixaban to be the safest blood thinner among direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs), with the lowest risk of gastrointestinal bleeding.

What food to avoid for a blood clot?

Steer clear of unhealthy trans-fats and reduce your intake of saturated fats, fatty cuts of red meat, or full-fat dairy – along with sugar and salt. Be sure to check fat percentage before consuming any packed food. Take a moment to go through nutritional labels and identify which unhealthy food triggers may be present.

Can you eat eggs on blood thinners?

On the positive side, patients are able to consume many foods considered safe if they are taking any anticoagulants. These are the foods that are considered safe to consume: Meat, fish, and eggs.

What is the number one prescribed blood thinner?

Warfarin remains the preferred choice for people with liver disease, kidney failure, mechanical heart valves, and certain clotting disorders (thrombophilia). Warfarin offers protection for several days, whereas DOACs have much shorter half-lives.

What should be avoided when taking blood thinners?

Because you are taking a blood thinner, you should try not to hurt yourself and cause bleeding. You need to be careful when you use knives, scissors, razors, or any sharp object that can make you bleed. You also need to avoid activities and sports that could cause injury. Swimming and walking are safe activities.

Why can't you eat salad on blood thinners?

However, for some individuals on the medication Coumadin, eating salads can be worrisome because many lettuces and trendy greens are rich in vitamin K, which can interfere with this medication. Coumadin is prescribed to reduce the risk of forming blood clots.

Can I take aspirin instead of blood thinners?

Not Without Risks

It can help prevent a heart attack or clot-related stroke by interfering with how the blood clots. But the same properties that make aspirin work as a blood thinner to stop it from clotting may also cause unwanted side effects, including bleeding into the brain or stomach.

What supplements should not be taken with blood thinners?

Increased Risk of Bleeding due to Antiplatelet Effect
  • Feverfew.
  • Fish Oil/Omega 3 Fatty Acids.
  • Garlic.
  • Ginger.
  • Ginkgo.
  • Turmeric/Curcumin.

Can you drink coffee on blood thinners?

Anticoagulants and antiplatelet drugs, also called blood thinners, reduce the risk of blood clotting. Caffeine can prevent the breakdown of anticoagulants like warfarin and increase blood levels of these drugs, leading to increased bleeding risk.

What is the best drink for blood clots?

Ginger. Ginger is a natural blood thinner and anti-inflammatory agent that can help in dissolving blood clots. It contains a compound called gingerol, which helps in preventing platelets from sticking together and forming clots. Ginger can be consumed in various forms, such as in tea or as a supplement.

What is the best sleeping position to prevent blood clots?

Sleeping on your side promotes better circulation, which can help prevent blood clots. Side sleeping also encourages better breathing and digestion at night, which can help you experience more deep, restful, restorative sleep. Try sleeping on your left side more than your right if you can.

What is the safest blood thinner for the elderly?

Novel anticoagulants, dabigatran, rivaroxaban and apixaban, are at least as effective as warfarin in reducing the risk of stroke and are safer in elderly patients than warfarin. These agents are also easier to use and unlike warfarin do not require frequent blood test monitoring.

What are the best fruits for blood thinners?

All the fruits in the berry-family, including strawberries, cranberries, and blueberries are significant blood thinners. Oranges, tangerines, cherries, raisins, prunes, pineapples, and tomatoes work in the same manner.

Do blood thinners affect blood pressure?

However, Xarelto is a blood thinner and its use is associated with an increased risk of bleeding, which can be serious and may lead to death. If Xarelto causes excessive bleeding it can cause a sudden drop or decrease in your blood pressure and shock.