A more accurate way to present this topic is:
Some tablets can increase the risk of blood clots, heart attacks, or strokes in certain people—but the risk varies by medication and individual health factors. Most people should not stop prescribed medication without consulting their healthcare provider.
Examples include:
- Combined hormonal contraceptive pills (estrogen-containing birth control): Increase the risk of blood clots, though the overall risk is still low for most healthy users.
- Oral hormone replacement therapy (HRT) containing estrogen: Can raise the risk of blood clots, particularly in older adults or those with other risk factors.
- Some NSAID pain relievers (such as diclofenac and high-dose ibuprofen): Prolonged or high-dose use may increase the risk of heart attack and stroke, especially in people with existing cardiovascular disease.
- Certain cancer medications and some treatments for inflammatory diseases: May increase the likelihood of blood clots and are typically prescribed with appropriate monitoring.
Factors that can further increase the risk
- Smoking
- Age over 35 (for some medications, particularly estrogen-containing contraceptives)
- Obesity
- A personal or family history of blood clots
- Prolonged immobility (such as after surgery or during long flights)
- Certain inherited clotting disorders
Get emergency medical help if you develop:
- Sudden chest pain or shortness of breath
- Sudden weakness, numbness, trouble speaking, or vision changes
- A swollen, painful, warm, or red leg
- Coughing up blood
These symptoms could indicate a serious condition requiring immediate treatment.
If you have concerns about a medication you’re taking, discuss them with the prescribing clinician rather than stopping it abruptly, as doing so may carry its own risks. If you tell me the name of the medication, I can explain its specific risks, benefits, and any warning signs to watch for.
