Treatment for Deep Vein Thrombosis (Phlebitis)

Blood Thinners

Anticoagulants (blood thinners) are the most common treatment meted for Deep Vein Thrombosis. These drugs can be injected or taken orally will decrease the blood’s ability to clot. They will not break existing clots but do stand as a preventative measure by allowing them to grow and reduce the risk of developing more clots.

The injectable medications are often given as a shot under the skin or by injection directly into an arm vein (intravenous).

Heparin is typically given via vein injection. Other brands of anticoagulants, such as enoxaparin (Lovenox), dalteparin (Fragmin), or fondaparinux (Arixtra), are injected under the skin.

You might receive injectable blood thinner for a few days, after which pills such as warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven) or dabigatran (Pradaxa) are started. Once warfarin has thinned your blood, the injectable blood thinners are stopped.

Other blood thinners can be administered orally without the need for an injectable blood thinner. These include rivaroxaban (Xarelto), apixaban (Eliquis) or edoxaban (Savaysa).

You might need to take blood thinner pills for three months or longer. It's important to take them exactly as your doctor instructs because taking too much or too little can cause serious side effects.

The standard time frame for taking blood thinners is usually around three months or longer. It is imperative to take them exactly as your medical provider has instructed. Consuming too little or overdosing can cause major side effects.

Taking warfarin will require regular blood tests to monitor how long it takes for your blood to clot. Certain blood thinners are not safe for pregnant women.

Clot Removal

In certain cases of DVT or pulmonary embolism, your healthcare provider may prescribe medications that break up clots more rapidly. These medicines are called thrombolytics or clot busters.

These particular drugs are administered via IV to break down blood clots through a catheter inserted directly into the clot. Because this medication can cause serious bleeding, they’re usually reserved for severe cases.

Filters 

In the event that you cannot consume blood thinners, a filter may need to be inserted into the vena cava (large vein) in your abdomen. The vena cava filter prevents clots from breaking loose and getting stuck in the lungs. 

Compression Stockings

These support stockings are worn on your legs and feet to prevent the swelling that comes with DVT.

The pressure administered by the stocking helps to reduce the likelihood of your blood pooling and clotting. These stockings should be worn during the day for at least two years. LEARN MORE ABOUT COMPRESSION STOCKINGS.