Popular Blood Thinner and its Side Effects
Since the 1950s, blood thinning drugs known as anticoagulants have been used to treat heart problems related to blood clots, such as abnormal heart rhythms, pulmonary embolisms and deep-vein thrombosis. These conditions are common to the elderly. Anticoagulants such as Coumadin (the brand name for Warfarin) were seen as breakthrough drugs in cardiac medicine. Anticoagulants have saved and prolonged many lives, but these medications can have serious side effects people taking these drugs need to be monitored very closely. When combined with certain foods and medications, such as antibiotics, side effects can be deadly.
The Washington Post reports that at least 165 nursing home residents were hospitalized or died after errors involving Coumadin from 2011 to 2014 nationwide. 13 cases were in Oklahoma. If a loved one lives in a nursing facility, it’s important that the facility has properly trained staff to administer powerful medications. The use of anticoagulants requires constant monitoring and frequent blood analysis. A person’s diet also needs to be watched closely. You want to make sure your loved one’s caregivers are informed and up to date on administering anticoagulants and their possible dangers.
Placing a loved one in a nursing home or an assisted living facility is a difficult decision. You do it for the health and safety of that person because you can’t adequately care for them at home. You make the decision on the belief that the facility staff is adequately trained and supervised.
If you feel that your expectations aren’t being met, you need to contact experienced Oklahoma nursing home negligence Attorney Ray Maples to learn more about your loved one’s legal options. Call (405) 705-5050 today.