What Are Anticoagulants?
Patients with blood clots or those at risk of developing them are often prescribed blood thinning medications known as anticoagulants. If you are on an anticoagulant medication, regular testing and monitoring are essential to help prevent clots and minimize bleeding.
At UConn Health, our Anticoagulation Clinic offers specialized services to adults prescribed anticoagulants. Our team consists of trained professionals dedicated to anticoagulation management. We prioritize your understanding by providing clear education on the safe use of these medications, empowering you to become an informed member of your healthcare team.
Our services include ordering blood tests, adjusting your medication doses, and refilling prescription as necessary. Our compassionate staff collaborates closely with you, your family, and your healthcare providers to address your needs and concerns. Oversight by both a cardiologist and a hematologist ensure that you receive high-quality care aligned with the latest medical guidance.
How Do I Know If I Need Therapy?
You may need anticoagulation therapy if you have had the following conditions:
- Stroke
- Irregular heartbeat, such as atrial fibrillation (Afib) or atrial flutter (Aflutter)
- Artificial heart valves (mechanical heart valve in the aortic or mitral position)
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) – blood clot in the legs or arms
- Pulmonary embolism (PE) – blood clot in the lungs
- Other conditions which put you at risk for forming blood clots (Factor V Leiden, prothrombin gene mutation, protein C/S deficiency, antithrombin deficiency, antiphospholipid antibody syndrome)
Become an Anticoagulation Clinic Patient
- Establish care with an outpatient UConn Health provider.
- Request the UConn Health provider to send an electronic referral to the Anticoagulation Clinic.
- Maintain yearly visits with your UConn Health physician.
- Maintain regular visits with the anticoagulation clinic.
What Can I Expect During My Visit?
- Consistent and prompt monitoring of:
- Necessary blood tests, including INR
- Adverse events including bleeding or clotting complications
- Medication access
- Drug interactions
- Anticoagulant medication dose adjustment as needed
- Comprehensive, ongoing education and communication
- Follow-up appointment scheduling
- Prescription refills provided as needed
- Coordinating blood work
Meet the Team
- Enrique Ballesteros, MD
- Elizabeth Biron, RPh, PharmD
- Damian Green (Pharmacy Technician)
- Anuja Rizal, RPh, PharmD, CACP
- Heiko J. Schmitt, MD, PhD
- Ritika Vankina, MD
- Lauren Wallace (Pharmacy Technician)
Resources
Warfarin Patient Education Resources
- A Guide to Taking Warfarin (American Heart Association)
- Warfarin Guide (ISMP)
- Nutrition and Warfarin
Direct Oral Anticoagulant (DOAC) Patient Education Resources
- Patient Information on DOACs
- DOAC Overview (American Heart Association)
- Eliquis (Apixaban) Guide (ISMP)
- Xarelto (Rivaroxaban) Guide (ISMP)
- Pradaxa (Dabigatran) Guide (ISMP)
- Edoxaban Patient Education (Lexicomp)
Injectable Anticoagulant Patient Education Resources
- Lovenox Injection Instructions (Sanofi)
- How to Self-Inject Lovenox® Instructional Video
- Lovenox (Enoxparin) Guide (ISMP)
- Dalteparin Injection Instructions (Pfizer)
- Dalteparin Self Injection Demonstration
- Dalteparin Patient Education (Lexicomp)
- Fondaparinux Instructions for Use
- Fondaparinux Patient Education (Lexicomp)
- Heparin Patient Education (Lexicomp)
- How to Give an Anticoagulant Shot
- Sharps Disposal Brochure
Supplementary Information for Anticoagulants
- Blood Thinner Pills: Your Guide to Using Them Safely (ahrq.gov)
- Pastillas que diluyen la sangre: Guía para su uso seguro (ahrq.gov)
- How to Take Anticoagulants Safely (Lexicomp)
