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The use of injections (and other medications) to reduce the risk of blood clots forming inside the blood vessels in people who are at increased risk of a blood clot. Proper treatment allows you to avoid thromboembolic complications that are dangerous to life and health. Various drugs with different mechanisms of action are used in the treatment of thrombosis, some of which are in the form of subcutaneous injections, most often given into the abdomen.
Types of anticoagulants
Haemostasis is the process of blood clotting and breaking down blood clots at the same time. It allows the free flow of blood while stopping the hemorrhage if the blood vessel has been damaged. If this process is disturbed, one of several types of anticoagulants is used, which differ in the mechanism of action. They include:
- heparin – a substance naturally produced in the liver, which can be additionally administered in the form of subcutaneous and intravenous injections or in the form of a gel intended for application to the skin,
- factor Xa inhibitors (apixaban, rivaroxaban and edoxaban, contained in medicines such as Eliquis or Xarelto),
- vitamin K antagonists, e.g. warfarin (Warfin) and acenocoumarol, which block the process of the formation of clotting factors in the liver,
- direct thrombin inhibitors such as dabigatran (presented as Pradaxa).
Anticoagulant injections – indications for use
The use of anticoagulant injections is often a necessity. Many people in hospital or recently discharged from the ward (up to 80%) suffer from venous thromboembolism. Often, in the initial stage of the disease, it is asymptomatic, and as a result, a life-threatening pulmonary embolism may appear suddenly. Treatment of complications after thrombotic disease is expensive and burdensome compared to the cost of prophylaxis. Therefore, in some situations, the use of injections to prevent thrombotic disease is necessary as it reduces the risk of the patient’s life and complications after thrombosis.
In addition to injections, it is important to activate sick people in bed early, physiotherapy and proper hydration. Treatment can be supplemented with oral anticoagulants, but more time is required to select the appropriate dose and achieve the expected therapeutic effect.
One of the active anticoagulant substances are heparins. They are used to obtain an immediate anticoagulant effect. They are prescribed for the treatment of venous thrombosis and for the prevention and treatment of venous thromboembolism. Non-fractionated heparin infusions are used in the early treatment of patients with acute pulmonary embolism or acute myocardial infarction.
Heparin – contraindications
The use of heparin is recommended in the prevention of thrombosis in people with a risk factor. However, sometimes there are contraindications to its administration, which include:
- old age,
- significant obesity,
- previous venous thromboembolism,
- multi-organ injuries,
- paresis as a result of a stroke,
- prolonged immobilization (e.g. during a long journey in a sitting position or after a fracture when a plaster dressing has been applied),
- pregnancy,
- thrombophilia, antiphospholipid syndrome,
- severe infections such as pneumonia
- cancers.
Anticoagulant injections – names of available preparations
There are many different anticoagulants available on the market. They differ in doses and active substances contained in them. Belong to them:
- Clexane (Enoxaparin sodium),
- Fragmin (Dalteparin sodium),
- Fraxiparine (Nadroparinum calcicum),
- Fraxodi (Nadroparinum calcicum),
- Vessel Due F (Sulodexidum).
It should be remembered that the type of drug, its dose and frequency of use is determined by the attending physician who writes the prescription. The patient should not change the type of medication or its dose on his own. A substitute should be consulted with a doctor or pharmacist as it should contain the same amount of active substance as the original.
To support the breakdown of blood clots, you can use Nattokinase + K2 – Doctor Life dietary supplement available on Medonet Market at an affordable price.
Anticoagulant injections and the period
Anticoagulants should not affect your periods too early or late. You can take them during menstrual bleeding, which may make them more abundant and slightly longer than usual. However, this does not constitute a contraindication to continued anticoagulation prevention.
Anticoagulant injections and alcohol
You should not drink alcohol while taking the anticoagulant injections. 24 hours after the last dose has elapsed, you can drink alcohol reasonably.
Anticoagulant injections – price
10 ampoules of anticoagulants for injection cost about PLN 80-115, fully paid. Some preparations are reimbursed by the National Health Fund.