According to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an estimated 60,000 to 100,000 Americans die each year from deep vein thrombosis/pulmonary embolism.
Deep vein thrombosis is a blood clot that forms in one of the larger, deeper veins. Pulmonary embolism occurs when part of the clot breaks off and migrates to the lungs.
The CDC say that medicines called anticoagulants, or blood thinners, are most commonly used to treat deep vein thrombosis. The name is a bit misleading, since the medications do not actually thin the blood. Instead, they stop the clotting process and prevent the clot from becoming larger.
The most frequently used medications for that purpose are heparin, given by an IV in the vein or injection; low molecular weight heparin, administered by injection under the skin; or warfarin, taken orally.
All of these medications can cause bleeding, so people taking them have to be monitored to prevent unusual bleeding.
Compression stockings are also sometimes recommended to prevent DVT and relieve pain and swelling.
According to the CDC, emergency treatment at a hospital is necessary to treat pulmonary embolism. In severe, life-threatening cases, medicines called thrombolytics can dissolve the clot and anticoagulants can prevent more clots from forming. Surgery is sometimes necessary for patients at risk of another pulmonary embolism.
While most oral contraceptives increase the risk of blood clots, different brands have different risks. Several studies show that Beyaz, Yaz, Yasmin, Ocella, and other birth control pills containing the compound drospirenone are more likely to cause deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, and stroke than other birth control drugs. Talk to your doctor, of course, before making changes to your medications.
If you experienced a blood clot while on Beyaz or another drospirenone-containing birth control, contact Lopez McHugh for a free consultation.
See here for more information: https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/dvt/index.html
