Conn. Regulating blood-clotting medications is a precise, individualized science. Too much of an anticoagulation medicine can cause excessive bleeding, and too little can increase the risk of stroke and other serious problems. Pharmacists and medical staff at the University of Connecticut Health Center work closely with patients taking anticoagulation medicines to make sure levels are effective, safe and reliable through an outpatient clinic at John Dempsey Hospital. Through the clinic, patients are monitored on a monthly or weekly basis, depending on their condition. Each visit, patients undergo a simple blood test to assess clotting levels.
Results are available within one minute.
Patients who do not live close enough to come to the hospital have blood tests called in from their local medical laboratories, and speak by phone to Health Center pharmacist, Lisa Jaser. We evaluate clotting risks, changes in any medications or herbal medications the patient is taking, as well as lifestyle changes, diet restrictions, and more. Studies have shown this drug to reduce the risk of stroke by about 60 percent in certain clinical situations. We pay close attention to every detail. Furthermore, studies have shown that patients whose care is monitored through anticoagulation clinics, usually have better outcomes and fewer risks of clots or excessive bleeding, Dr. Bona said.