Headlines like “WARNING! THESE TABLETS CAN CAUSE BLOOD CLOTS, BLOOD THROMBOTS, AND HEART ATTACKS” are often written to attract clicks. The underlying claim may contain some truth, but it depends entirely on which tablets and who is taking them.
Some medications that can increase the risk of blood clots or cardiovascular events in certain people include:
- Combined hormonal birth control pills (containing estrogen), which can increase the risk of blood clots in the legs or lungs, especially in smokers, people over 35, or those with certain medical conditions.
- Some hormone replacement therapy (HRT) medications can also increase clot risk.
- Some pain relievers (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen and diclofenac, have been linked to a small increased risk of heart attack or stroke, particularly at higher doses or with long-term use.
- Certain cancer treatments and some medications used for inflammatory diseases may also increase clot risk.
It’s important to keep the risk in perspective:
- For most people taking these medications as prescribed, the absolute risk remains low.
- The benefits often outweigh the risks for the people they’re prescribed to treat.
- Never stop a prescribed medication without discussing it with your healthcare provider, as stopping can sometimes pose a greater risk than continuing.
If you have the name of the tablets mentioned in the article or post, I can explain the actual risks and whether the claims are supported by medical evidence.
