Some countries have taken some medications off the market because they are very dangerous for the heart and blood vessels. The move is new and quite important. Health officials are worried that some prescriptions might be linked to serious health problems like blood clots (thrombi), embolisms, and even heart attacks. We want to warn patients and healthcare providers to stay alert and be careful.
What are thrombi, and why are they bad for you?
Blood clots, or thrombi, can form when blood hardens in a vein or artery. When blood clots form in the wrong way in the bloodstream, they can restrict blood from getting to crucial organs. Clotting is a normal technique for the body to stop too much bleeding. This could cause:
A blood clot in the lungs is called a pulmonary embolism.
Stroke: a blood clot in the brain
Heart attack: a blockage in the arteries that carry blood to the heart
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
If a clot stops oxygen and nutrients from getting to key sections of the body, it can kill you. That’s why regulatory organizations are particularly careful with medications that have a higher risk of causing blood clots.
What medicines are being investigated or pulled off the market?
The names of some pharmaceuticals may be different in different countries and by different regulatory bodies. However, the following types of tablets are the most common:
— Hormonal birth control, including some kinds of third-generation birth control pills—Some drugs that help with inflammation
Some forms of diet pills or treatments that make you less hungry
Some kinds of COVID-19 therapies and vaccines should only be used in very rare cases.
The FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration), the EMA (European Medicines Agency), and health ministries in some countries have either suspended, limited, or completely stopped using these drugs. It means that those who already have specific conditions, like the ones listed below, are more likely to be at risk:
Too high blood pressure
A history of smoking
Being overweight can lead to diabetes.
Inherited issues with blood clotting
Things to Watch Out For
If you have taken any medicine recently and have any of the following symptoms, you should see a doctor straight away:
Sudden chest pain.
Problems with breathing Swelling in the arms or legs that doesn’t make sense
Bad headache or trouble seeing
A fast heartbeat or pulse that isn’t regular
When dealing with clot-related problems, time is vitally important. It’s best to go to the doctor than to ignore these warning signs, even if you’re not sure.
What should you do if you are taking these medicines?
Don’t stop taking your medicine all at once unless your doctor tells you to. Things could get worse if you stop without support.
Speak with your doctor about alternate options or a risk assessment.
Get your information from reliable sources, including your local health department or health groups that work around the world.
If you have any bad affects, please let your country’s health authority’s adverse event reporting system know.
Paying attention could save your life or someone else’s. Health systems rely on people being aware of concerns and reporting them swiftly to keep people safe.
