Handouts
Blood thinner safety: red flags and next steps
Plain-language bleeding precautions and when to seek urgent help.
How to use this handout
Take blood thinners exactly as prescribed. Do not start or stop medicines, vitamins, or supplements without checking first.
Get urgent care now for severe or ongoing bleeding, black or bloody stool, vomiting blood, severe headache, new weakness, trouble speaking, chest pain, or shortness of breath.
Call your clinic the same day for easy bruising that is worsening, frequent nosebleeds, blood in urine, or if you miss doses. Bring an up-to-date medication list to every visit.
Return precautions (patient script)
Suggested plain-language wording for safety-net counseling:
If symptoms get worse, new warning signs appear, or you cannot follow the plan from this visit, seek urgent care now.
- Use with the specific red flags listed on this page.
- Confirm follow-up timing and where to go after-hours.
- Document that return precautions were reviewed and understood.
Source and licensing
Original handout created for DrSonia. Safety points aligned with Thrombosis Canada education.