Jalen Hurts' blood clot diagnosis highlights five medication mistakes for patients taking blood thinners

Patients taking blood thinners face increased risks of excessive bleeding and potential clot recurrence if medication and activity guidelines are not properly followed.

• •Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts was diagnosed with blood clots in both lungs and is expected to miss the rest of the 2026 season.
• •Blood thinners help prevent dangerous clots from forming or growing, but they do not dissolve existing clots.
• •Mistake one: stopping or extending treatment duration without speaking to a doctor, as clear-cause clots often require about three months of treatment.
• •Mistake two: missing doses repeatedly or automatically taking an extra dose to make up for a missed one without consulting a professional.
• •Mistake three: taking aspirin, NSAIDs, certain prescription drugs, or supplements like fish oil and turmeric without checking with a doctor or pharmacist.
• •Mistake four: ignoring warning signs of bleeding, ranging from persistent nosebleeds to urgent signs like vomiting blood or black stools.
• •Mistake five: failing to consult a doctor about which physical activities and contact sports are safe during treatment.