What are the most common blood thinners?
The most common blood thinner used in a hospital setting is heparin, or some version of heparin. When used correctly, heparin works very rapidly and very effectively. Several newer versions of heparin have become more popular, and these are known as the low molecular weight heparins. The low molecular weight heparins have become popular because they can be used in outpatient management and generally require just once or twice a day administration by a subcutaneous injection. Very often, patients are instructed in how to give this medication by self administration. In addition to the heparin blood thinners, there are many new intravenous (in a vein) versions of blood thinners which have been recently licensed by the FDA, but these are not available at McKinley Health Center. In addition to the injectable blood thinners, a pill known as warfarin is often used as a blood thinner. This medication is slow to take effect and therefore it is generally used after heparin has already been start
