Skip to Content

Anticoagulants for Coronary Artery Disease


Unfractionated heparins

Generic Name

Low-molecular-weight heparins

Generic Name Brand Name
dalteparin Fragmin
enoxaparin Lovenox


Generic Name Brand Name
warfarin Coumadin

Direct thrombin inhibitors (only used in the hospital)

Generic Name Brand Name
bivalirudin Angiomax
fondaparinux Arixtra
lepirudin Refludan

How It Works

Anticoagulants are often called blood thinners, but they don't really thin blood. They work by increasing the time it takes for a blood clot to form. This prevents an existing clot from increasing in size, thereby preventing a heart attack or stroke.

Why It Is Used

Anticoagulants are not typically used to treat coronary artery disease. But you might take them after having angioplasty or bypass surgery. You might take an anticoagulant if you also have atrial fibrillation or other complications.

How Well It Works

Anticoagulants lower the risk of problems caused by blood clots, such as a heart attack or stroke.1

Side Effects


Here are some important things to think about:


Allergic reaction

Call 911 or other emergency services right away if you have:

  • Trouble breathing.

Call your doctor if you have:

  • Hives.


Call 911 or other emergency services right away if you have:



  • Any abnormal bleeding, such as:
    • Nosebleeds.
    • Bloody or black stools, or rectal bleeding.
    • Bloody or pink urine.


Heparin: Side effects often happen at injection sites. These side effects include:

  • Pain.
  • Irritation.
  • Bruising.

Warfarin: Other side effects include:

  • Skin rash.


What To Think About

When you take anticoagulants, you need to take extra steps to avoid bleeding problems.

For more information, see:

Click here to view an Actionset.Warfarin: Taking Your Medicine Safely

Long-term use of heparin is not typically recommended. It requires one or two injections each day. And long-term use is linked with osteoporosis.

Taking medicine



Advice for women


Do not take warfarin if you are pregnant. Warfarin can cause miscarriage or birth defects. If you are taking warfarin, talk to your doctor about how you can prevent pregnancy.

If you think you might be pregnant: Call your doctor. If you are pregnant, you will take heparin during your pregnancy.

If you plan on getting pregnant: Talk with your doctor. You and your doctor will decide which medicine you will take—warfarin or heparin—while trying to get pregnant.


If you are pregnant: You will take heparin during your pregnancy. Heparin has not been shown to affect the fetus.

For more information, see Pregnancy and the Increased Risk of Developing Blood Clots.








By Healthwise Staff
Current as of August 9, 2013



Symptom Checker

Feeling under the weather?


Decision Points


You'll find Decision Points to help you answer questions about: