Product News and Recalls

Tips to reduce risk of blood clots, DVT,and pulmonary embolisms

Blood clots that occur in larger, deeper veins can be dangerous. They can migrate to the heart, lungs or brain with potentially deadly consequences.

So what can you do to reduce your risk of developing a blood clot? The Mayo Clinic offers the following tips.

  • Avoid sitting for long periods. If you travel by airplane, walk the aisle periodically. For car trips, stop and walk around frequently.
  • Move. After you’ve had surgery or been on bed rest, the sooner you move, the better.
  • Change your lifestyle. Lose weight, lower high blood pressure, stop smoking and exercise regularly.

The Mayo Clinic identifies taking oral contraceptives as a risk factor in developing blood clots. But while most oral contraceptives increase the risk of blood clots, some brands are demonstrably riskier than others.

For example, several studies show that Beyaz, Yaz, Yasmin, Ocella, and other birth control pills containing the compound drospirenone are more likely to cause blood clots, pulmonary embolism, and stroke than other birth control drugs. Talk to your doctor before making changes to your medications.

If you experienced a blood clot while on Beyaz or another birth control that contains drospirenone, contact Lopez McHugh for a free consultation.