Important Medication Safety Alert: Some Tablets May Increase the Risk of Blood Clots and Heart Problems
Prescription and over-the-counter medicines save lives every day. Still, it’s important to know that some commonly used tablets have been linked to a higher risk of blood clots in certain people. In rare cases, these clots can contribute to serious complications such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism, stroke, or even a heart attack.
This doesn’t mean these medications are “unsafe” for everyone. It means the risk can be higher depending on your health history, the dose, how long you take it, and whether you have other risk factors.
Who Is at Higher Risk?
Blood clots are more likely to occur in people who already have cardiovascular or circulation-related risk factors, including:
- High blood pressure
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- Smoking or vaping history
- High cholesterol
- Family history of clotting disorders
- Inherited clotting conditions (such as thrombophilia)
- Long periods of immobility (bed rest, long flights, recovery after surgery)
Medication Types That Have Been Reviewed for Clot or Heart Risks
Health agencies in different countries sometimes review medications when reports show a possible increase in cardiovascular events. Categories that have received attention at various times include: