Do I have to take blood thinners for the rest of my life if I have had DVT (deep vein thrombosis)?

Question

I started a treatment of anticoagulant following a DVT which went up higher than the knee at least last July. I started with Xarelto, but then switched to Eliquis after complications with Xarelto (vaginal bleeding after stopping the birth control pill requiring hospitalization and leading to anemia). I still have 1.5 months left on my Xarelto treatment (5 mg twice a day). I was wondering if the risk of having another DVT is high and if I should contact my doctor to switch to a lower dose (2.5 mg) at the end of my treatment.

Naji-tom Samaha · Accepted Answer

Thank you for your question, but I must recommend that you redirect it to your pharmacist, who will be able to answer you properly. The length of treatment depends on several factors such as the cause of the DVT (if known or not), your other health history and risk factors. Your pharmacist will be in a better position to answer your question, or can contact your doctor for more information. Sincerely, Tom Samaha, Pharmacist