The headline “WARNING! THESE TABLETS CAN CAUSE BLOOD CLOTS, BLOOD THROMBOSIS, AND HEART ATTACKS” is too vague to be trusted on its own. No one medication causes these problems in everyone, and the risk depends on the specific drug, the dose, and the person’s medical history.
Some medications can increase the risk of blood clots or cardiovascular events in certain people, for example:
- Estrogen-containing birth control pills and some hormone replacement therapies can increase the risk of blood clots, especially in people who smoke, are older, or have other risk factors.
- Some anti-inflammatory pain relievers (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen or diclofenac, may slightly increase the risk of heart attack or stroke, particularly with high doses or long-term use.
- Certain medications used to treat cancer or autoimmune diseases may also increase the risk of blood clots.
However, many medicines that are the subject of alarming online posts are safe and effective when used as prescribed, and the benefits often outweigh the risks for the people who need them.
Do not stop a prescribed medication because of a headline
Stopping some medicines suddenly can be more dangerous than continuing them. If you’re concerned about a medication, talk with the healthcare professional who prescribed it.
Seek emergency medical care if you have symptoms of a blood clot or heart attack, such as:
- Sudden chest pain or pressure
- Shortness of breath
- Sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body
- Trouble speaking
- Swelling, pain, warmth, or redness in one leg
If you can tell me which tablets the headline is referring to, I can explain what the scientific evidence says about their risks and who, if anyone, should be concerned.
