What is a common side effect associated with long-term use of anticoagulants?

Long-term use of anticoagulants is primarily associated with an increased risk of bleeding. These medications work by inhibiting the clotting factors in the blood, which effectively reduces the formation of clots to prevent strokes or other thromboembolic events. However, this mechanism also means that the blood’s ability to clot is compromised. Consequently, patients can experience hemorrhagic complications, which may manifest as easy bruising, prolonged bleeding from cuts, or more serious bleeding episodes such as gastrointestinal bleeding or intracranial hemorrhages.

Monitoring patients on anticoagulants is crucial to manage this side effect, ensuring that the benefits of the medication in preventing thromboembolic events outweigh the risks of bleeding complications. While the other options may be seen in various contexts or conditions, they are not directly related to the core pharmacological action or side effect profile of anticoagulants.