If you take blood thinners, be sure to take the right amount of medicine at the right time each day. You will need blood tests on a regular basis to check how well your blood clots. Follow your doctor's schedule for having these tests. Wear a bracelet that lists the drugs you take. Before taking any new medicines, even nonprescription drugs, contact your doctor. Most medicines, including some antibiotics, can interfere with or increase the effects of blood thinners. Tell all of your other doctors, such as dentists or podiatrists, that you are taking a blood thinner. Do not take aspirin unless specifically prescribed by your doctor.

If you are taking a blood thinner, call your doctor right away if you have any faintness, dizziness, severe headaches or stomach pain, increased weakness, red or brown urine, bruises that increase in size, red or black bowel movements, cuts that won’t stop bleeding, coughing up blood, or unexpected bleedings from any part of your body.

If you have had DVT or are at risk of having DVT, you can help prevent it by following these guidelines.

• Avoid sitting for long periods of time. When you are traveling, move your feet and legs often. Go for short walks if possible.
• Avoid crossing your legs and ankles when you sit.
• Get regular exercise, according to your doctor's advice.
• Maintain a healthy body weight.
• Ask your doctor about special stockings you can wear to help prevent clots. Make sure you know how to wear them correctly.
• Keep your legs raised when you are in bed or sitting down. Leg elevation promotes the return of blood through the leg veins.
• Leg exercises are important to prevent pooling of blood in the legs. If you have had major surgery, walking as soon as possible after the surgery will help lower your risk of having DVT. If you are unable to exercise, ask your doctor if you should have someone massage your lower legs and move your legs through some range-of-motion exercises. If you are currently being treated for DVT, do not massage your legs. Massage could cause the clot to break loose.
• If you are scheduled for surgery, ask your surgeon what you can do to help prevent blood clots after surgery.
• Stop smoking. Smoking increases the risk for blood clots.