Blood thinners, also known as anticoagulants, are medications used to prevent blood clots in your body. The two most commonly used types are heparin and warfarin (Coumadin). Newer blood thinners on the market include direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) such as rivaroxaban (Xarelto), apixaban (Eliquis), dabigatran (Pradaxa), and edoxaban (Savaysa).
Fatigue isn't a common side effect of blood thinners. However, that doesn't mean it can't occur. People respond to medications in different ways, and it's possible that a blood thinner could contribute to feelings of fatigue in some individuals.
The blood thinners side effects fatigue usually relate more directly to the risk of bleeding since these medications work by inhibiting the body's ability to form clots. These side effects can include:
Unusual bruising or bleeding
Prolonged bleeding from a cut
Bloody or dark-colored urine or feces
Headaches or dizziness
Nosebleeds
Bleeding gums
In severe cases, internal bleeding
Blood thinners can also interact with other drugs, which might lead to additional side effects.
If you're experiencing fatigue while on a blood thinner, discussing this with your healthcare provider is important. The fatigue could be related to the blood thinner, but it might also be a symptom of another underlying health condition. Your healthcare provider can help you figure out the cause and develop an appropriate treatment plan.
