What are the side effects of anti-coagulants?
Before someone starts on anticoagulants, a physician should cross check the list of medications, including over the counter pills. Pregnant women should not take them as they can cause side effects in the babies. During breast-feeding, some of these medications can cause unwanted effects to the baby. Warfarin is not known to cause any problems. The most common side effect that is associated with the anti-coagulants is bleeding. Any unusual bleeding or bruising should be notified to the doctor immediately. Any falls or injuries should be promptly checked to rule out internal bleeding. Gum bleeding, black stools, eye bleeding, nose bleeding, red spots on the skin, heavy oozing of blood from minor cuts, confusion, constipation, diarrhea, joint swelling, blood in urine or vomit, nausea, weakness, etc can be due to too much thinning of blood. Some of the less common side effects are rashes, itching, low back pain, cough, blue toes, dark urine, stomach cramps, bloating etc.
