If the pulmonary embolus is caused by a DVT, bed rest and elevating the leg can help reduce the swelling and pain. People with a deep venous thrombosis are usually given an injection of a blood-thinning medication. The injection may be given through an IV or under the skin. These medications, such as heparin and enoxaparin, help prevent further growth of the blood clot. After a few days of blood-thinning medications by injection, the person can be switched to pills.
Warfarin is the most common blood-thinning pill.
In some people, blood-thinning medications cannot be used for various reasons. For example, a person may have a high risk of bleeding. In these cases, a surgical procedure can be done. This involves inserting a filter in one of the major veins of the body that leads to the heart. This filter catches any clots that break off.