While most people are able to tolerate their prescription medications, others experience side effects and adverse reactions. Although most of the time these side effects are mild, some can be very serious.
Types of medications that have the potential to heighten the risk for serious adverse reactions are prescription anticoagulants. These medications are prescribed to those who are at high risk of having a cardiovascular event such as a heart attack, stroke, or blood clot.
If you believe that you have been disabled as a result of taking prescription anticoagulants, see a personal injury attorney. Here are three ways prescription anticoagulants, or blood thinners, can cause serious medical problems and what you can do about them:
Cerebral Bleeding
Bleeding in the brain, or cerebral bleeding, may also be related to taking prescription anticoagulants. These medications thin your blood, and while this is a favorable effect for those at high risk for thrombus formation, it may lead to unusually thin blood and dangerous abnormal bleeding.
Cerebral bleeding can be asymptomatic, but it may also cause symptoms similar to those of a stroke. They include weakness on one or both sides, difficulty speaking or swallowing, a drooping mouth, inability to raise your arms, dizziness, and faintness. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek emergency medical attention right away. When the bleeding stops, your symptoms may resolve; however, you may be at risk for long-term disability.
Gastrointestinal Bleeding
In addition to cerebral bleeding, prescription anticoagulant medications can also raise your risk for gastrointestinal bleeding. The bleeding can occur in your upper or lower gastrointestinal tract. In some cases, bleeding can develop in the esophagus, stomach, and colon.
If you see bright red blood in your bowel movements or notice black tarry stools, you may be bleeding from your gastrointestinal tract. Other symptoms of this type of bleeding include dizziness, shortness of breath, weakness, and pallor. See your doctor as soon as possible if you develop any of these symptoms. If you feel extremely sick or weak, or if you have chest pain or can't breathe, call 911.
Severe Anemia
Anticoagulants can also lead to severe anemia. You could be bleeding internally and not even realize it. Sometimes, long-term or low grade bleeding can cause a serious drop in your hemoglobin and hematrocrit.
Bleeding from prescription blood thinners can also cause bleeding from your gums and nose. Anemia can cause a rapid heart rate, shortness of breath, dizziness, fainting, and chest pain. If you notice these symptoms, see your doctor. If your doctor discontinues your anticoagulant medications, your anemia may resolve; however, in severe cases, permanent organ damage can occur.
If you take prescription anticoagulant medications and you believe that you have sustained a long-term disability or illness, work with both your physician and personal injury attorney to determine if you should pursue litigation. If you win your case, you may be entitled to a substantial monetary settlement for your medical bills, pain and suffering, and future care. Contact professionals like the Law Offices of Michael Dye for more information.
Share12 February 2018
Hello everyone, my name is Nina Zoulon. On this site, I am going to share information about hiring a personal injury attorney. I will also talk about my journey to procuring those services for myself. When I was a beginning driver, I was on the road constantly. During one of those excursions, a driver going the opposite direction crossed the centerline and plowed straight into my vehicle. I was trapped by the dashboard for hours while firefighters helped me escape. After the accident, the other driver tried to blame my inexperience on the accident. I hired a lawyer to help me fight the case and I won. I would like to discuss personal injury attorney services in more detail to help other people win their cases in court. Thanks.
