An Introduction to Recovery From Pulmonary Embolism
Recovery From Pulmonary Embolism: Medications
At home, you will continue taking blood-thinning medications. It is important that you:
- Take medications as prescribed
- Do not take any other medication, including over-the-counter medications, vitamins, or food supplements without first checking with your doctor
- Continue to have regular blood tests as directed
- Check with your doctor before changing your diet or taking any supplements
- Wear your compression stockings as directed, if prescribed by your doctor.
Recovery From Pulmonary Embolism: Know the Side Effects
Medications used to treat pulmonary embolism may thin your blood too much.
This can cause bleeding in the
digestive system. You should get immediate treatment if you:
- Vomit bright red blood or material that looks like coffee grounds
- Pass bright red blood in your stool or have black tarry stools
- Develop pain in your abdomen.
You must also get immediate treatment if you:
- Have excessive bleeding from a fall or injury and you cannot stop any bleeding after applying pressure for 10 minutes
- Have bleeding in the brain, which will cause a severe headache, sudden changes in your vision, sudden loss of movement of your legs or arms, or sudden memory loss or confusion.
