A warning like “These tablets can cause blood clots and heart attacks” may be accurate for some medications, but it’s impossible to know without knowing which tablets are being discussed.
Several types of medications can increase the risk of blood clots, heart attack, or stroke in certain people, including:
- Some hormonal contraceptives (birth control pills)
- Certain hormone replacement therapies
- Some anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs)
- A few cancer treatments and other specialized drugs
However, the risk varies greatly depending on:
- The specific medication
- The dose
- A person’s age
- Smoking status
- Medical history and other risk factors
Signs of a possible blood clot
Seek urgent medical attention if you experience:
- Sudden swelling, pain, or redness in one leg
- Sudden shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body
- Difficulty speaking
Important
Do not stop a prescribed medication solely because of a social media post or headline. The benefits of a medication may outweigh its risks for many people.
If you tell me the name of the tablet or medication, I can explain:
- Whether blood clots are a known side effect
- How common the risk is
- Who is most at risk
- What warning signs to watch for.
