Ways To Treat Popliteal Vein Thrombosis

Medications

Popliteal vein thrombosis is a serious condition, but it can be prevented if diagnosed and treated in time. When patients get proper treatment, the condition will eventually vanish with no long-term consequences. Mostly, the first treatment for popliteal vein thrombosis will be anticoagulant therapy. Anticoagulants, also known as blood thinners, refer to medications that prevent clotting. Heparin and warfarin are the first two anticoagulants approved for treating thrombosis, though newer anticoagulants such as apixaban, rivaroxaban, and dabigatran have also been approved. A combination of anticoagulants and the natural body’s mechanism will eventually cause the clot to dissolve. Prolonged use of certain medicines such as acetylsalicylic acid can help prevent the occurrence of clots in the future.

It is wise to note blood thinners are used to prevent an existing clot from becoming bigger, but they do not dissolve blood clots that have already formed. Blood thinners can either be taken as a pill or an injection under the skin. Anticoagulant therapy usually lasts for six months, and it carries various side effects. The most common side effect of using blood thinners is excessive bleeding. It occurs when the anticoagulants cause excessive thinning of the blood. If a patient is on blood thinners, it is wise for them to have regular blood tests to measure their blood’s clotting ability. The tests will help their doctor to change the dosage for the anticoagulants if need be.

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