Serious Side Effects Of Blood Thinners

Unusual Bruising

Unusual bruising is a common side effect of blood thinners. Patients often develop bruises through simple bumps or touching that would not otherwise result in bruising. For example, simply resting or lightly bumping an arm up against a table or countertop could be enough to cause a bruise. Typically, the patient cannot remember a specific injury that led to the bruise. Bruising may occur frequently in patients who take blood thinners, and the bruises could be large, painful, and slow to heal. To protect against bruising, patients should be very careful when handling sharp or abrasive objects, including kitchen utensils. Patients might wish to wear long sleeves or long pants to provide an extra layer of cushioning against small bumps or knocks that could produce bruises. It is especially important to avoid contact sports and to take precautions to prevent falls that could result in bruising and internal bleeding. Patients should ensure they have adequate lighting at home, and any throw rugs and other trip hazards should be removed. If bruises are painful or increase in size, patients should see a doctor. It may be helpful to photograph bruises to measure how long it takes them to heal and to document their size.

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