Anticoagulants : Comprendre leurs Utilisations, Effets Secondaires et Bonnes Pratiques

Abstract

Anticoagulants are essential in the prevention and treatment of thrombosis. Their use is increasing, and they are among the most widely prescribed drugs in the world. The objective of this study is to evaluate the side effects of commonly used anticoagulants and to propose strategies for improving their safe and effective use in clinical practice. This is a cross-sectional descriptive statistical epidemiological survey carried out using a paper questionnaire aimed at patients on anticoagulants in the cardiology, internal medicine, neurovascular and orthopaedics services of the Saadna Mohamed Abdenour university hospital in Sétif, and private cardiologists , over a two-month period. The population includes 120 patients, the majority of whom are aged over 60, with a female predominance (59%) and a sex ratio of 0.69. More than half the population suffered from hypertension and diabetes. The most commonly prescribed class of drugs was VKAs, followed by heparins, then ODAs. The principal indication for anticoagulant treatment was myocardial infarction (22%), which varied according to class. Hemorrhage was the most common complication (78% of complications) dominated by ecchymosis and epistaxis. The study confirms the lack of education among patients on anticoagulants, as evidenced by their poor knowledge of bleeding signs (46%) and limited use of the monitoring diary (46%). In conclusion, patient education and awareness are crucial to emphasise the importance of regular monitoring and the risks associated with these drugs, as well as encouraging patients to report any adverse effects immediately.