WARNING: Some Medicines Can Increase the Risk of Blood Clots — But Don’t Stop Them on Your Own
You may have seen alarming posts claiming that certain tablets “cause blood clots.” The reality is more complicated.
Some medications can increase the risk of blood clots in certain people, while others may actually be prescribed to prevent clots. The risk can depend on the specific drug, dose, medical condition, age, smoking status, and other risk factors.
🩸 Know the warning signs
A possible blood clot in a leg can cause:
- Sudden swelling, usually in one leg
- Pain or tenderness
- Warmth or redness of the skin
A clot that travels to the lungs can cause:
- Sudden shortness of breath
- Chest pain, especially with breathing
- Rapid heartbeat
- Coughing up blood
- Feeling faint or collapsing
🚨 These symptoms can be an emergency. Seek urgent medical attention rather than waiting for them to disappear.
