Question: how long should you take blood thinners?
Answer: In the U.S., 2 million to 3 million people take blood-thinning medication, usually for 3 to 6 months but sometimes longer, Dr. Cushman says. And while these drugs save lives, they can also cause side effects, from easier bruising to unwanted bleeding, the National Blood Clot Alliance, in Rockville, Md., notes.