What is a common effect of anticoagulants like enoxaparin?

Anticoagulants like enoxaparin are designed to prevent the formation of blood clots by inhibiting specific clotting factors in the coagulation cascade. While they are effective in reducing the risk of thromboembolic events, one of the significant side effects of their use is an increased risk of bleeding. This occurs because anticoagulants impair the body’s ability to form clots effectively, which can lead to excessive bleeding from minor injuries or spontaneous bleeding in some cases.

Healthcare providers closely monitor patients on anticoagulants for any signs of bleeding, such as unusual bruising, blood in urine or stool, and prolonged bleeding from cuts. The therapeutic goal of enoxaparin is to minimize clot formation while maintaining a balance to avoid bleeding complications, typically through careful dosing and monitoring. Understanding this risk helps in patient education and management while on anticoagulation therapy.