UK Trial: Post-Hospital COVID Blood Thinner ‘Ineffective’

As people age, their blood vessels become stiff, weak, and less flexible, which is easy to cause arteriosclerosis.peterschreiber.media/Shutterstock

Researchers conclude a blood-thinning drug offered to COVID-19 patients taking part in the HEAL-COVID trial (Helping to Alleviate the Longer-term consequences of COVID-19) does not help patients recovering from moderate and severe COVID-19.

However, this doesn’t mean that blood thinners aren’t appropriate for anyone experiencing COVID-19. There are also safer, natural alternatives to reduce blood clot risk.

No Clear Benefit to Apixaban After Acute COVID

The tested drug, called Apixaban, is an anticoagulant given to many patients recovering from severe COVID to prevent blood clots. However, trial data indicates it not only doesn’t work, but also carries the risk of major bleeding.