Transcript

Nearly 2 million Americans are prescribed a blood-thinner each year to reduce their risk of forming dangerous blood clots.  Blood clots can lead to serious conditions such as deep vein thrombosis (clots that form in the deep veins of the legs or groin) and pulmonary embolism (clots that travel to the lungs and can be fatal).

Designed to complement education that patients receive in their doctor’s office, clinic, pharmacy or hospital, the new video helps patients better understand blood thinners and how to manage them effectively. Any patient on blood thinner therapy, regardless of the initial cause and or specific medical regimen, can benefit from the video.  The video is available as a DVD and can be obtained from the AHRQ Publications Clearinghouse.  Call 1-800-358-9295 or e-mail  AHRQPubs@ahrq.hhs.gov . A companion print brochure, Blood Thinner Pills: Your Guide to Using Them Safety/Pastillas que diluyen la sangre: Guía para su uso seguro, is also available free of charge. Both the video and brochure are also available for viewing or downloading on the AHRQ Web site at  http://www.ahrq.gov/consumer/btpills.htm .