What type of drug would most likely be used to treat an pulmonary embolism?
A pulmonary embolism (PE) is a blood clot in the lung. It’s serious and can be life-threatening. But if it’s caught early it can be treated. The most common way to tackle this condition is by using anticoagulants.
Anticoagulants (commonly referred to as blood thinners) are the most common treatment for a blood clot in the lung. They serve two key roles: First, they keep the clot from getting any bigger. Second, they keep new clots from forming. They don’t dissolve blood clots. Your body normally does that on its own over time.
The most commonly prescribed blood thinners are warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven) and heparin. Warfarin, in a pill, can treat and prevent clots. Heparin can lower the chances of another clot forming. You get it through a shot or an IV (Intravenous).
More Info:
www.webmd.com
What are your thoughts on this subject?
63 Comments
Maho girl
Spg Cool dude: what varied and interesting questions you ask; as does Mr Grant & some others too. Thank you to all question contributors ;-)
Rock Gagnon
There is a new class of blood thinner like Xarelto or Eliquis and they are far less dangerous than Coumadin.
Rob Farr
A good biology-based trivia question … and a good explanation as well
BPlunkettTurner
I actually MAKE blood clots and am on warfarin for life because of it. I have a home INR meter and log in bi-weekly to a certain website to log my results that they then commute to my Cardio Dr. and they get back with me. Been on it so long since 9-10-08 when I had my 1 cm PE in my lower left lung 2 ins. away from my heart and thanks to a just graduated Genius of a Dr. on-line who told me "judging from your numbers, I think you might actually MAKE blood clots, have your Dr. do a Protein C & S test to make sure." Then my Cardio Dr. goes "you're the only one in our practice who has this!" Yep that's me! Always a first for everything, I'M THE ORIGINAL!
stevechap
Right on dude... Know what ime saying
Ray Chancellor
blood thinners do not actually thin the blood---it prevents the mechanism of clotting from taking place---blood clotting is a very complex chemical reaction-
tippiaca
ha! it pays to watch medical dramas and love testing myself
monicaligon
Got it
Yevette Allen
Eamonn Jessup, Eliquis killed my friend!! I had read an article on it and begged him not to take it. Now he's gone!!! Bled to death, in the hospital!!!
Yevette Allen
Got it
Mohan Krishnan
Got it correct
Eamonn Jessup
Rock Gagnon, I am a physician in the UK. This statement is unproven. There are different dangers with this class of drugs they are not far less dangerous. I have seen a lot of severe bleeding with these new agents called NOACs.
nmcgirt
Yes got it. I take Eliquis .
Diane Lynn Kinsman
Got it wrong.. ask me about epilepsy.
urbigguns
BPlunkettTurner, have yourself checked for Hemachromatosis, especially if you have Celtic ancestors. You say you produce blood clots. If you have high amounts of Iron in your blood you may have this condition. I had myself checked, and was positive. Iron disorders website, Greenville Spartanburg
BPlunkettTurner
Rock Gagnon, Partly true but Warfarin affects 6 different blood clotting factors and that's the only drug I can take according to my Cardio Dr. The problem with Eliquis is it's $500 + and I can't afford it HOWEVER as my Dr. also told me "one: if you start bleeding we can't stop it and two - there is another drug - Eliquis and you can't afford it." I don't have a choice. They also sent me to the leading Hematologist and he goes "You're on exactly the right protocol for your blood chemistry so don't change any of your drugs and if you have to in the future, come see me again so we can analyze everything again." So far so good!
ann garton
The answer to this question needs updating. Xarelto in pill form (and some newer drugs) does the same thing BUT it doesn't require so many Dr. visits, AND there are no limitations on food e.g. green vegies like lettuce and other greens.
dlh
Got it right. 👏