What common side effect is associated with anticoagulants?

Anticoagulants are medications designed to prevent blood clotting, and a common side effect associated with their use is excessive bruising or bleeding. This occurs because anticoagulants work by inhibiting the blood's ability to clot, which can lead to a greater risk of bleeding even from minor injuries. Patients on anticoagulants need to be monitored for signs of bleeding, which can happen internally or externally. Bruising occurs when small blood vessels are damaged, and the blood leaks into the surrounding tissues, leading to discoloration of the skin. Therefore, it is crucial for healthcare providers to educate patients about the signs of bleeding and the importance of report any unusual bruising or prolonged bleeding.

Other options such as high blood sugar, increased heartburn, and reduced appetite are not typical side effects of anticoagulants. High blood sugar is more relevant to medications like corticosteroids, while increased heartburn could stem from different drug classes or conditions. Reduced appetite may arise from various causes but is not specifically linked to anticoagulant therapy. Therefore, excessive bruising or bleeding stands out as the primary concern for individuals taking these blood-thinning medications.