Anticoagulation Clinic

Safe and Effective Anticoagulation Therapy

Anticoagulants (blood thinners) are safest and most effective when taken exactly as directed, which is why precise anticoagulation management is so important. Our referral-based Anticoagulation Clinic offers careful monitoring and regular blood clotting tests to make sure you’re on the right medication dosage. It’s also important to take the right type of blood thinner for your needs. Our experts are well-versed in the benefits and risks of the latest blood thinners. Some people on warfarin (Coumadin® and Jantoven®) may benefit from newer anticoagulation therapies, such as apixaban (Eliquis®) or rivaroxaban (Xarelto®).

What Is Anticoagulation Therapy?

People with atrial fibrillation, deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism or hereditary conditions may need anticoagulants to reduce their risk of blood clots. Blood thinners can also prevent existing clots from getting bigger.

Most anticoagulation medications are tablets or capsules that you take by mouth each day. Blood thinners work by slowing your body’s clot-making process. Clots can lead to a stroke or heart attack, so blood thinners have lifesaving potential.

Our Anticoagulation Clinic Services

We tailor anticoagulation therapy to your individual needs. Our services include:

• Education: We provide education for you and your caregivers about blood thinners, dosing instructions, risks, side effects, and drug and dietary interactions.
• Screening: Inherited blood clotting disorders increase your risk of blood clots. We offer screening tests for people with a known family history of clotting disorders.
• Testing: We offer on-site coagulation tests, usually a quick finger stick. You receive immediate results, medication dosage adjustments and refills as needed.
• Drug monitoring: We monitor your other medications to reduce the risk of interactions with your anticoagulant and recommend alternative blood thinners as needed.
• Surgical planning: If you need surgery, we evaluate your bleeding risk and provide anticoagulation management before, during and after the procedure to keep you safe.

An Alternative to Blood Thinners for AFib

Many people with atrial fibrillation (AFib) take blood thinners to reduce their risk of blood clots and stroke. But some people can’t take blood thinners due to clotting disorders or other risk factors; others can’t tolerate long-term anticoagulant therapy.

An advanced procedure called left atrial appendage (LAA) closure can help prevent blood clots and stroke and allow people to stop taking blood thinners. Learn more about the left atrial appendage closure procedures, such as the WATCHMAN® device, offered at UMass Memorial.