Risk of internal bleeding doubles among patients receiving anticoagulants and NSAID painkillers: Study

"For people taking blood thinners for blood clots in their legs or lungs, our research highlights the importance of being cautious when considering NSAIDs for pain or inflammation. We recommend that patients consult their doctor before taking NSAIDs along with a blood thinner."

In an accompanying editorial [2] Professor Robert F Storey from the University of Sheffield, UK, said: “Oral anticoagulants (OACs), including vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) such as warfarin and the direct-acting oral anticoagulants (DOACs) apixaban, dabigatran, edoxaban, and rivaroxaban, are central to the treatment and prevention of a range of thrombotic conditions, including venous thromboembolism (VTE), a term encompassing deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism.

“All currently available OACs increase the risk of bleeding. In the management of VTE, a significant proportion of patients are recommended long-term OAC, meaning that cumulative risk can be considerable. OAC-related bleeding can range from events that are usually termed trivial, for example superficial bruising or gum bleeding, through to major bleeding, associated with significant disability or even death.