What is a significant risk when prescribing anticoagulants?

When prescribing anticoagulants, the most significant risk involved is excessive bleeding. Anticoagulants, such as warfarin or newer agents like rivaroxaban and apixaban, work by inhibiting specific clotting factors in the blood to prevent the formation of clots. While this mechanism is effective in reducing the risk of conditions such as stroke, deep vein thrombosis, and pulmonary embolism, it also predisposes patients to bleeding complications.

These can range from minor issues, such as easy bruising, to more severe events, including gastrointestinal bleeding, intracranial hemorrhages, or excessive bleeding during surgeries or in the event of an injury. It's critical for healthcare providers to monitor patients closely, adjust dosages as necessary, and educate patients about signs of bleeding to mitigate this significant risk.

Other risks, such as constipation, hair loss, or liver toxicity, are less directly associated with the action of anticoagulants and are not considered primary concerns when managing patients on these medications. While they can occur in certain circumstances or with specific agents, they do not pose the same level of immediate and serious risk as bleeding does.