Headlines like “These tablets can cause blood clots, blood thrombosis, and heart attacks” can be alarming, but the risk depends entirely on which tablets are being discussed, the person taking them, and their health history.
Some medications are known to have increased clotting or cardiovascular risks in certain groups, including:
- Some hormonal medicines (for example, certain estrogen-containing contraceptives or hormone therapies) — may increase the risk of blood clots, especially in people with additional risk factors.
- Some anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) — certain drugs in this group may increase cardiovascular risk, particularly with long-term use or in people with existing heart disease.
- Some cancer treatments or medications affecting blood cells — can raise clotting risk in specific situations.
- Certain other prescription medicines may carry clot warnings depending on their effects on the body.
A few important points:
- A warning does not mean everyone who takes a medication will develop a clot or heart attack.
- Do not stop a prescribed medication suddenly without talking to a healthcare professional.
- Risk factors that can matter include age, smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, previous clots, heart disease, and family history.
