Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts’ diagnosis of blood clots in both lungs has put blood thinners in the spotlight.
Hurts is receiving treatment with the medication and is expected to miss the remainder of the 2026 season, according to the NFL.
Even young, physically active people can develop dangerous blood clots, especially when risk factors such as an injury, long travel or recent surgery combine. “Being in shape lowers your risk, but it doesn’t make you immune,” said Dr. Joseph V. Lombardi, chief physician executive at AtlantiCare.
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Hurts’ case also highlights the precautions patients taking blood thinners may need to follow.
The medication can help prevent dangerous clots from growing or forming but can also make it harder for the body to stop bleeding after an injury — a concern for athletes playing high-contact sports or anyone who falls or gets hurt.
“Taking [blood thinners] consistently, understanding potential interactions, and recognizing warning signs can greatly reduce the risk of complications,” Dr. Yazan Abou-Ismail, a hematologist and thrombosis expert at the University of Utah, told Fox News Digital.
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While some patients only need blood thinners for a limited time, others may need them long term. When a clot has a clear cause, such as an injury, treatment often lasts about three months, Lombardi told Fox News Digital.
The duration depends on factors including the reason for treatment and whether a patient has had previous clots, Abou-Ismail added. Stopping too soon can raise the risk of another clot, while continuing longer than prescribed may increase bleeding risk.
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Patients should not stop or extend treatment without speaking with their doctor.
Missing doses repeatedly can weaken a medication’s protection against clots, Abou-Ismail said, but what to do after a missed dose depends on the specific drug.
Patients should follow the instructions for the prescription or call their pharmacist or doctor — not automatically take an extra dose to make up for a missed one.
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Aspirin and NSAIDs including ibuprofen can increase bleeding risk when taken with blood thinners, Abou-Ismail said. Some prescription drugs and supplements, including fish oil and turmeric, can also affect bleeding or medication levels.
Patients should ask a doctor or pharmacist before taking anything new, even if it is sold over the counter.
Some bruising or minor bleeding may occur but persistent nosebleeds, blood in the urine or unexplained increases in bruising warrant a call to a health care provider, Abou-Ismail said.
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Uncontrolled bleeding, vomiting blood, black or tarry stools, a sudden severe headache or new confusion, vision changes or trouble speaking require urgent care.
After a significant head injury, patients should seek medical evaluation, even if they initially feel fine, experts note.
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A hard hit or fall can lead to serious bleeding in patients taking a blood thinner, which is why Hurts cannot play football during treatment.
Patients should ask their doctor which activities are safe for them. Some may be able to continue exercising but contact sports and other activities with a high risk of injury warrant extra caution.
Blood thinners do not dissolve an existing clot, Lombardi cautioned. They help prevent it from growing while the body clears it over time. The right treatment and precautions vary, so patients should contact their care team with questions about doses, side effects or activity.