Eliquis

Most patients are placed on some type of blood-clot prevention medication after knee replacement, such as aspirin or, in higher-risk cases, a stronger blood thinner like Eliquis, Xarelto, Lovenox, or warfarin. These medications reduce the risk of DVT but can also make postoperative bruising appear more extensive. Before surgery, blood thinners and antiplatelet medications are often held when medically safe because they can increase bleeding risk during the operation. After surgery, however, the risk shifts. The combination of surgical trauma, inflammation, and decreased mobility can increase the risk of a clot forming in the deep veins of the leg. If that clot breaks off, it can travel to the lungs and become a pulmonary embolism, which can be dangerous. For that reason, surgeons commonly use a blood-clot prevention plan after knee replacement. This may include early walking, ankle pumps, compression stockings or compression devices, and medication such as aspirin or an anticoagulant, depending on the patient’s individual risk factors. Compression helps, but it may not be enough by itself for every patient.

Most patients are placed on some type of blood-clot prevention medication after knee replacement, such as aspirin or, in higher-risk cases, a stronger blood thinner like Eliquis, Xarelto, Lovenox, or warfarin. These medications reduce the risk of DVT but can also make postoperative bruising appear more extensive. Before surgery, blood thinners and antiplatelet medications are often held when medically safe because they can increase bleeding risk during the operation. After surgery, however, the risk shifts. The combination of surgical trauma, inflammation, and decreased mobility can increase the risk of a clot forming in the deep veins of the leg. If that clot breaks off, it can travel to the lungs and become a pulmonary embolism, which can be dangerous. For that reason, surgeons commonly use a blood-clot prevention plan after knee replacement. This may include early walking, ankle pumps, compression stockings or compression devices, and medication such as aspirin or an anticoagulant, depending on the patient’s individual risk factors. Compression helps, but it may not be enough by itself for every patient.