Definition: An anticoagulant is a medication used to prevent blood clotting. Commonly known as blood thinners, anticoagulants are used in a variety of medical scenarios, such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Some people with cancer are at a higher risk of developing DVT because of the type of cancer they have or type of chemotherapy they are undergoing.
Common types of anticoagulants include Heparin and Warfarin. These anticoagulants can prevent the extension of existing clots and prevent new ones from forming.
Also Known As: blood thinners
Alternate Spellings: anti-coagulant
