Blood Thinners and Anticoagulants

Anticoagulants and antiplatelets

Anticoagulants such as apixaban (Eliquis), rivaroxaban (Xarelto) and warfarin (Warf) prevent clots in atrial fibrillation and after deep vein thrombosis. Enoxaparin is given as an injection, often around surgery. Clopidogrel (Clopilet) is an antiplatelet that stops platelets clumping, used after heart attacks, strokes and stents.

All of these raise the risk of bleeding. Warfarin needs regular blood tests, and none of them should be started, stopped or combined without a doctor.