The Need-to-Know Side Effect of Blood Thinners Everyday Health MenuNewslettersSearch Heart Health The Need-to-Know Side Effect of Blood Thinners Taking blood thinners decreases your risk for blood clots, but it can also increase your risk of heavy bleeding. By Mary Elizabeth DallasMedically Reviewed by Niya Jones, MD, MPHReviewed: September 28, 2015Medically ReviewediStock.comIf you’re at risk for a heart attack or stroke, blood thinners can be lifesaving medications. But they also come with a serious side effect, too: the risk of dangerous heavy bleeding. Because these meds work by interfering with your blood’s ability to coagulate (clump together), they can either prevent a clot from forming or keep an already-existing one from getting larger. The drawback: If you sustain even a minor injury — say, for example, you cut your finger slicing vegetables — you may have trouble stopping the blood flow. “Any sort of minor trauma that wouldn’t cause any worry in an otherwise healthy person could be a very serious injury for a patient on a blood thinner,” explains Elliott R. Haut, MD, an associate professor of surgery, anesthesiology, and critical care medicine at Johns Hopkins Medicine in Baltimore. “A minor head injury can be devastating because the body’s normal reaction to stop bleeding doesn’t occur.” 6 Ways to Prevent Bleeding Risks If you’re taking blood thinners, following these steps can reduce your risk for potentially serious bleeding: 1. Follow your treatment plan to a T. Be sure you're taking your medication exactly as directed by your doctor. If you don’t take enough of the blood thinner, it might not be able to prevent a clot. But if you take too much, it can increase your risk for bleeding even further, according to the American Heart Association (AHA). Typically, the AHA recommends that people on blood thinners should have their blood monitored on a monthly basis. 2. Avoid taking drugs that can increase your risk of heavy bleeding. That includes non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like Advil and Motrin (ibuprofen), and Aleve (naproxen), says Marcelo Gomes, MD, associate staff member in the section of vascular medicine at the Robert and Suzanne Tomsich Department of Cardiovascular Medicine at the Sydell and Arnold Miller Family Heart & Vascular Institute of the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio. Some supplements also can increase your risk of bleeding, says Dr. Gomes. St. John’s wort is one; there’s also some concern that high doses of omega-3 supplements can make blood thinners more potent, according to the Cleveland Clinic. If you haven't done so already, tell your doctor about every dietary supplement you are currently using and consult with him or her before taking any new ones — even if those products are labeled as “safe” or “all natural.” 3. Pay extra attention to your diet. If you’re taking blood thinners, you shouldn’t make any major dietary changes without talking to your doctor first. You’ll also want to avoid eating too much vitamin K, which is found in foods such as asparagus, broccoli, and leafy greens like kale. (The vitamin encourages blood clotting and can interfere with the actions of certain blood thinners like warfarin, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine.) You should also steer clear of cranberries and alcohol, which can enhance the effects of blood thinners and further increase your risk for bleeding, says Dr. Gomes. RELATED: The Best Diet to Prevent a Stroke 4. Avoid taking any physical risks. This isn’t the time to organize a rugby league. “Generally, patients should avoid any activity that may result in frequent or potentially serious trauma, such as skiing and contact sports,” says Gomes. “No bungee jumping or sky diving.” And even when you’re participating in low-risk sports, you should always wear proper safety gear, like a helmet and gloves. 5. Be more cautious in general. It’s smart to avoid any abrasive or sharp objects, according to the National Blood Clot Alliance (NBCA). For example, choose soft-bristle toothbrushes and shoes that don’t hurt your feet. And be careful when you’re using razors, scissors, and your favorite paring knife. 6. Don’t wait to seek help. If you do fall or sustain an injury, especially a blow to the head, don’t hesitate to go to the doctor’s office or even the emergency room if necessary, says Dr. Haut. How to Tell If the Bleeding Is an Emergency When you're taking a blood thinner, says Gomes, you may bruise more easily and may also notice bleeding around your gums after brushing your teeth. In most cases, bleeding caused by blood thinners is not serious, according to the NBCA. If you get a minor cut while working in the yard or the kitchen, the bleeding might last longer than usual. You could also experience frequent nosebleeds that last for several minutes. Though frustrating and inconvenient, these occurrences aren't life-threatening. However, blood thinners can cause dangerous bleeding that requires immediate medical attention, says Gomes. Major bleeding complications include internal bleeding in the stomach, bowel, or brain, he says. "This could be life-threatening,” he adds. “Intracranial hemorrhage is the most feared complication.” And, Haut notes, the damage caused by bleeding in the brain may be irreversible. So, in addition totaking steps to prevent bleeding, it's also important to recognize the warning signs of this potentially serious side effect:Excessive menstrual bleedingCoughing up anything red in colorSevere headache or stomachacheDizziness or weaknessBlood in the urine or bowel movements NEWSLETTERS Sign up for our Heart Health Newsletter SubscribeBy subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. 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