Anticoagulants (blood thinners) are used to reduce the risk of a pulmonary embolism.

Anticoagulants

Anticoagulants (blood thinners) are often prescribed to relieve symptoms and reduce the risk of a pulmonary embolism (PE). Commonly used anticoagulants include heparin, warfarin (Coumadin^®), and low molecular weight heparin (LMWH). These agents can be injected, administered intravenously, or given orally.

Anticoagulants are effective and easy to administer but may cause bleeding complications with long-term use. Additionally, anticoagulants do not eliminate thrombus by themselves or reduce the incidence of valve damage caused by thrombus pressure in the vein. Anticoagulant dosage must be carefully monitored for each patient.