Heparin Anticoagulant Blood Thinner May Cause Hair Loss, Bruising, Bleeding Side Effects
Heparin is classified as an anticoagulant, and routinely referred to as a blood thinner. Actually, it really doesn’t thin your blood.
Anticoagulants, such as heparin, warfarin or aspirin work on the clotting ability of your blood. Lengthening the time it takes for it to clot.
Heparin is used to prevent clots or stop clot growth, but it doesn’t decrease the size of existing clots. It is used to treat or reduce the risk of certain blood vessel, heart and lung conditions, such as:
Heparin anticoagulant works faster than warfarin. Thus, it may only be used initially until warfarin kicks in.
Heparin blood thinner may also be used to prevent blood clotting during heart surgery, bypass surgery, kidney dialysis, catheter use and blood transfusions.
Heparin is not a “blood thinning” pill you pop, but this anticoagulant is administered via a shot in one of your veins or under your skin. And you’ll likely bleed and bruise more easily while you’re on it.
Heparin has the potential to cause a broad range of side effects, from bleeding to bruising to hair loss. Several of heparin’s side effects are considered serious, so contact your health care professional pronto if you experience:
- rash
- fever
- chills
- hives
- wheezing
- confusion
- hematuria
- puffy eyes
- teary eyes
- runny nose
- vomit blood
- hoarseness
- constipation
- walking issues
- bleeding gums
- vision changes
- undue sweating
- severe headache
- black, tarry stools
- nausea & vomiting
- coughing up blood
- breathing problems
- shortness of breath
- excessive tiredness
- multiple nosebleeds
- swallowing difficulties
- back pain, backaches
- abdominal pain, swelling
- unusual bruising, bleeding
- purplish skin discoloration
- joint pain, stiffness, swelling
- loss of balance, coordination
- stools contain bright red blood
- bottom of feet itching & burning
- numbness, tingling in hands, feet
- lightheadedness, fainting, dizziness
- frequent, long lasting painful erections
- difficulty speaking, understanding speech
- chest pain, pressure, squeezing, tightness
- arms, shoulder, jaw, neck, back discomfort
- injection site irritation, pain, redness, ulcers
- facial, arm, leg weakness, especially one sided
- unusually, heavy, unexpected menstrual bleeding
Osteoporosis and hair loss are concerns for those taking heparin for long periods. Additionally, certain OTC medications can increase your heparin’s risk of bleeding, such as aspirin or other NSAIDs.
Can’t be said that heparin isn’t prescribed without one long list of potential side effects. But since it is often given in a hospital setting, those folks in white should aid in keeping a “bleeding bruise” watch!
One other herparin burden is heparin-induced thrombocytopenia. Ordinarily, heparin prevents clotting and does not affect your blood platelets. In some rare cases, the immune system triggers a response that may cause new blood clots.
In close, if you happen to be one of those select few injecting heparin at home, keep your health care provider’s phone number at the ready. And call it whenever your health is in doubt. For this loss of hair causer is not a “take it and forget it” med.
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