Side effects

A possible side effect of anticoagulants is excessive bleeding (haemorrhage), because these medicines increase the time it takes for blood clots to form.

Some people also experience other side effects.

Excessive bleeding

Signs of excessive bleeding can include:

• passing blood in your urine
• passing blood when you poo or having black poo
• severe bruising
• prolonged nosebleeds (lasting longer than 10 minutes)
• vomiting blood or coughing up blood
• sudden severe back pain
• difficulty breathing or chest pain
• in women, heavy or increased bleeding during your periods, or any other bleeding from your vagina

If you notice any severe or recurrent bleeding, seek medical attention immediately. Call 111 or go to your nearest accident and emergency (A&E) department.

You should also seek immediate medical attention if you:

• are involved in a major accident
• experience a significant blow to the head
• are unable to stop any bleeding

If you're taking warfarin, you'll have regular blood tests to check that you're on the right dose. This measures how quickly your blood clots to see if you're at a high risk of excessive bleeding. If your blood clots too slowly, your dose may be changed.

Other side effects

Other side effects of anticoagulants vary depending on which medicine you're taking.

For a full list of potential side effects for your medicine, check the leaflet that comes with it.

Possible other side effects include:

• diarrhoea or constipation
• feeling and being sick
• indigestion
• dizziness
• headaches
• rashes
• itchy skin
• hair loss
• jaundice (yellowing of the whites of the eyes and the skin, although this may be less obvious on black or brown skin)

Speak to your GP or anticoagulant clinic if you have any persistent troublesome side effects. Contact them immediately if you develop jaundice.

Reporting side effects

The Yellow Card Scheme allows you to report suspected side effects from any type of medicine that you are taking.

It is run by a medicines safety watchdog called the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).