What types of blood thinners are there?
Blood thinners are divided into different groups:
- Antiplatelets are mainly suitable for people who have had a or a stroke due to arteriosclerosis (narrowing of blood vessels). The most commonly used antiplatelet is acetylsalicylic acid (the drug in medicines like Aspirin). Antiplatelets are taken in the form of tablets.
- (Direct) oral anticoagulants are much more effective than antiplatelets. They are mainly used in the treatment of atrial fibrillation, after implanting artificial heart valves, or after a pulmonary (lung) embolism. Some anticoagulants can also be used after major surgery, in order to reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis. They are also taken as tablets.
- Heparin is particularly suitable for acute treatment, for instance in venous thrombosis. It is injected under the skin or into a vein, and works very quickly. This medication is only used temporarily over a few days or weeks.
- Like heparin, the medication fondaparinux is injected under the skin – mainly for the treatment of acute problems or the prevention of thrombosis.
The type of anti-clotting medication that is prescribed will mainly depend on the medical condition that needs to be treated. Other aspects that play a role include the person's age, other medical problems they may have, interactions with other drugs and – in rare cases – allergies.