Anticoagulant therapy

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Anticoagulant therapy

Anticoagulant therapy (pronunciation: an·ti·co·ag·u·lant ther·a·py) is a medical treatment regimen that uses anticoagulant drugs to prevent the formation of blood clots in the body.

Etymology

The term "anticoagulant" is derived from the Latin words "anti-", meaning against, and "coagulare", meaning to cause to clot. "Therapy" comes from the Greek "therapeia", meaning healing. Thus, anticoagulant therapy refers to a healing process that works against blood clotting.

Usage

Anticoagulant therapy is often prescribed for patients with conditions such as deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, and atrial fibrillation. It is also used in the prevention of stroke and in patients with artificial heart valves.

Types of Anticoagulants

There are several types of anticoagulants used in this therapy, including warfarin, heparin, and direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) such as dabigatran, rivaroxaban, apixaban, and edoxaban.

Risks and Side Effects

While anticoagulant therapy is effective in preventing blood clots, it also carries risks, including the risk of bleeding. Other potential side effects include bruising, hematuria, and menorrhagia.

Related Terms

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