What Happens If You Miss a Dose of Blood Thinner?
Blood thinners usually stay in the body for a long time. So, when people taking blood thinners need a surgical procedure, doctors advise them to stop the medicine for three to four days to prevent too much bleeding during surgery. However, what happens if you miss a dose of blood thinner? Let’s find out.
How Long Do Blood Thinners Stay in Your System?
The duration that blood thinners remain in your system varies depending on the specific medication. Following is an overview of some common blood thinners and how long they stay in the body:
- Warfarin (Coumadin)
Warfarin usually leaves the body within 3 to 4 days after stopping the medication. However, its effects can vary based on individual factors. These include diet, liver function, and use of other medications. - Rivaroxaban (Xarelto)
Rivaroxaban starts working within 2 to 4 hours and has a half-life of about 5 to 9 hours. Its elimination is possible within 24 hours after the last dose. But this can vary based on your kidney function. - Apixaban (Eliquis)
Apixaban has a half-life of about 12 hours. This means its clearance from the system takes around 2 days after the last dose. - Clopidogrel (Plavix)
Clopidogrel has a half-life of about 6 hours. According to an estimation, it takes 33 hours for it to get completely washed off from your system. - Heparin
Heparin, especially when given intravenously, acts quickly. The exact duration depends on the type of heparin used (unfractionated vs. low molecular weight heparin) and the method of administration.
Consequences of Missing a Dose of Blood Thinners
Missing a dose of blood thinner causes several immediate symptoms and potential complications. The following are the risks associated with missing a dose:
- Increased Risk of Blood Clots: Missing a dose triggers blood clot formation. This can cause serious conditions like deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE). These might not show immediate symptoms but can be life-threatening.
Signs of Bleeding:
- Unexplained or excessive bruising.
- Increased frequency of these occurrences.
- Red or brown discoloration in urine or black, tarry stools.
- Fatigue: Some people can feel general weakness due to changes in the body’s clotting ability.
- Dizziness or Shortness of Breath: These symptoms can happen if a clot forms and affects blood flow, especially if it travels to the lungs or brain.
- Headaches: Severe headaches could indicate bleeding in the brain or other complications. This requires immediate medical attention.
What to Do If You Miss a Dose of Blood Thinner?
If you miss a dose of your blood thinner, take the following steps:
- Take the Missed Dose: If you remember shortly after the scheduled time, take it as soon as possible unless it’s close to the next dose.
- Consult Your Doctor: If you’re unsure what to do after missing a dose or if you experience any concerning symptoms, contact your healthcare provider right away.
- Avoid Doubling Up: Never take two doses at once to make up for a missed dose.
Wrapping Up
Healthcare providers usually prescribe blood thinners for serious medical conditions. Therefore, it’s helpful to know, “What happens if you miss a dose of blood thinner?” Always talk to your doctor about any concerns regarding missed doses for personalized advice and management.
Visit our internal medicine experts at Family Diagnostic Clinic. Our skilled physicians provide a thorough diagnosis and effective treatments for various health conditions. Call us at (281) 351-6800 to secure an appointment.