The Best Blood Thinners Meds: A Complete Guide

Blood thinners are medications that prevent the formation of blood clots in the body. There are two types: anticoagulants and antiplatelet medications. Blood thinners meds can be used to treat or prevent blood clots caused by specific disorders, including deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism, and atrial fibrillation.

  • Arixtra (Fondaparinux)

Arixtra prevents blood clots, which can lead to pulmonary embolisms. This drug is administered primarily to prevent DVT in those who are undergoing:

  • Hip fracture surgery.
  • Hip or knee replacement
  • Abdominal surgery.
  • Deep vein thrombosis or acute pulmonary embolism is treated in combination with warfarin.

Arixtra is an inhibitor of Factor Xa, a clotting protein in the body. It works by reducing blood clotting ability. Arixtra is administered as an injectable. Adults receive it intravenously (into a vein), while children receive it subcutaneously (under the skin).

  • Eliquis (Apixaban)

Eliquis treats or prevents blood clots from forming (such as DVT and pulmonary emboli). It can also minimise the risk of stroke in those with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation or irregular heartbeat. Eliquis is a Factor Xa inhibitor. It works by specifically inhibiting the activity of thrombin, a protein responsible for blood clotting in the body.

Eliquis is available in oral tablet form in two strengths: 2.5 and 5 milligrams. It can be used orally; if the patient is unable to swallow the pill whole, it can be crushed and combined with water, apple juice, or applesauce.

  • Fragmin (Dalteparin)

Fragmin prevents DVT, often known as a blood clot in a vein, typically in the legs. It can also be used to avoid problems in persons with unstable angina and is designed to be taken alongside aspirin. Fragmin is classified as an anticoagulant, also known as low-molecular-weight heparin. It works by enhancing the ability of a clotting protein in the body called factor Xa. Fragmin is delivered via subcutaneous injection.

  • Heparin

Heparin prevents and treats thromboses, emboli, and coagulopathies, which impede clotting. The treatment of heart attacks, unstable angina, and other cardiac issues. The prevention and treatment of thromboembolic problems associated with atrial fibrillation. Various operations involve the prevention of blood clotting.

Heparin is classified as an anticoagulant. Anticoagulants bind to the proteins responsible for blood clotting (antithrombin III) and inhibit the clotting process. Heparin is given either intravenously or subcutaneously.

  • Lovenox (Enoxaparin)

Lovenox is also used to treat or prevent DVT, especially in those who are undergoing abdominal surgery, knee replacement surgery, or hip replacement surgery or who are unable to move owing to a short-term sickness. Lovenox is considered a low-molecular-weight heparin. When administered, it possesses antithrombotic effects in the blood, inhibiting the formation of blood clots. Lovenox, like heparin, is given either intravenously or subcutaneously. The initial dose is administered before surgery and repeated for one to three weeks, depending on the type of surgery. 

  • Savaysa (Edoxaban)

Savaysa aims to reduce the risk of stroke and systemic embolism in those who have atrial fibrillation. It is also used to treat DVT and pulmonary embolisms. Savaysa is classed as a Factor Xa inhibitor. It indirectly prevents red blood cells from clotting by disrupting the “coagulation cascade” that causes blood clots. Savaysa is only available in tablet form. It is available in three dosage strengths: 60 mg, 30 mg, and 15 mg. It is typically taken once per day. Savaysa can be crushed and blended into applesauce for people who cannot swallow or have trouble swallowing.

  • Xarelto (Rivaroxaban)

Xarelto is intended for treating DVT. Treatment for pulmonary embolism To lower the risk of stroke and systemic embolism in persons who experience nonvalvular atrial fibrillation.

Like Savaysa, Xarelto is a factor Xa inhibitor that prevents the coagulation cascade. Unlike the other blood thinners listed, Xarelto has two dosing forms: oral tablet and oral liquid. Xarelto has four tablet strengths: 2.5 mg, 10 mg, 15 mg, and 20 mg. It also comes in a pre-flavoured oral suspension with a strength of 1 mg per millilitre (mL).



  • Warfarin

Warfarin is intended to prevent and treat venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. Complications that can result from a blood clot from a pulmonary embolism-related disorder, as well as those who have had a heart valve replaced, are prevented and treated. Lowering the risk of death, recurring heart attacks, and complications like stroke or systemic embolism following a heart attack.

Warfarin is a Vitamin K antagonist. Vitamin K antagonists function by inhibiting vitamin K clotting factors in the bloodstream. It is critical to maintain a healthy diet when taking warfarin. Vitamin K-rich foods can impact the effectiveness of your prescription. Warfarin is only available in oral tablet form. It is sold in nine different strengths.

  • Plavix (Clopidogrel)

Clopidogrel, often known as Plavix, is a P2Y12 inhibitor and an antiplatelet agent. It is used to treat acute coronary syndrome (ACS), one of three disorders that can cause a sudden, life-threatening decline in blood flow to the heart. Plavix can reduce the risk of heart-related problems in persons who have had a recent heart attack, stroke, or significant chest discomfort. It is used as an oral tablet and is available in two strengths: 75 mg and 300 mg.

  • Effient (Prasugrel)

Effient (prasugrel), like clopidogrel, is a P2Y12 platelet inhibitor. Effient is administered to prevent blood clots from developing in the heart. This includes those who have had stents surgically implanted into their hearts. Effient is commonly given with aspirin. It is available in tablet form and can be taken orally. It comes in two strengths: 5 mg and 10 mg.

  • Brilinta (Ticagrelor)

Ticagrelor, also known as Brilinta, is a P2Y12 inhibitor intended to lower the risk of cardiovascular mortality, heart attack, and stroke in persons with ACS. Like Effient, Brilinta is commonly taken alongside aspirin. Brilinta is available in 60 mg and 90 mg tablets.

  • Aspirin

Aspirin is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that acts as a blood thinner. It is considered an antiplatelet agent. People aged 40 to 59 who are at high risk of developing heart disease but do not have an increased risk of bleeding may benefit from taking low-dose aspirin daily to avoid heart problems. However, checking with your doctor before beginning this regimen is essential. When taken with some blood thinners, aspirin can increase the risk of bleeding. As a result, if you are currently on other blood thinners, see your doctor before beginning aspirin therapy.

What’s the Difference Between Anticoagulants and Antiplatelets?

Anticoagulants and antiplatelets may appear to have identical functions and features, but they do not. Anticoagulants and antiplatelets have distinct roles in the blood clotting process. Anticoagulants prevent blood clots from forming altogether, whereas antiplatelets lessen the risk of platelets in the blood clumping together or clotting. P2Y12 inhibitors, a type of antiplatelet drug, are occasionally recommended alongside daily aspirin therapy. Anticoagulants, on the other hand, should never be taken with aspirin unless prescribed by your doctor.

Choosing the Right Blood Thinner for You

Your physician will consider your current medical issues when determining which blood thinner is ideal for you. Antiplatelet medications are typically prescribed to persons with atherosclerosis, a kind of heart disease in which plaque accumulates in the arteries’ valves. Anticoagulants are used mainly by people with atrial fibrillation, venous thromboembolism, or mechanical heart valves.

People with atherosclerosis and a high risk of blood clots may be given an antiplatelet and an anticoagulant. When determining which is best for you, it is critical to consider your specific problems and consult your healthcare practitioner. Based on your specific symptoms, they will decide which blood thinner is ideal for you.

Concluding…

Several anticoagulants and antiplatelet medications are widely used to prevent or treat blood clot formation. These medications may differ in their unique indications and who they will benefit the most. Blood thinners meds are typically used to treat various blood clot-related diseases, including DVT, pulmonary embolism, and atrial fibrillation.

The extensive range of accessible blood thinners meds provides healthcare providers with various options for their patients. You must disclose all of your medical issues with them so that they can prescribe the most appropriate blood thinner for you.

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