FOR PATIENTS ON ANTICOAGULATION THERAPY AND CAREGIVERS
Adherence to anticoagulation therapy and bleeding control
Why staying on your medication matters, and how AllaQuix® helps when minor bleeds happen.
If you're taking warfarin, Eliquis, Xarelto, or another anticoagulant, you've probably been told to take it every day. You've also probably noticed that minor cuts and nosebleeds take longer to stop than they used to. This page explains why adherence matters, what to do when bleeds happen, and where AllaQuix® fits in.
WHY ADHERENCE MATTERS
Stopping anticoagulants increases stroke and clot risk
Anticoagulants like warfarin, Eliquis, Xarelto, Pradaxa, and aspirin work by slowing the time it takes for blood to clot. They're prescribed to prevent strokes, heart attacks, and deep-vein thrombosis. They also make minor cuts and nosebleeds bleed longer than they would for someone not on the medication.
Patients who stop taking their anticoagulants without medical supervision are at higher risk for the very events the medication was prescribed to prevent. Talk to your doctor before changing anything.
This page is patient education, not medical advice.
COMMON CHALLENGES
What makes adherence hard
Minor cuts take longer
A shave nick or paper cut that used to stop in 30 seconds now needs 10+ minutes of pressure.
Frequent or worse nosebleeds
Dry air, sneezing, or nose-blowing can trigger nosebleeds that take time to manage.
Regular bandages are not enough
Cotton bandages absorb blood but don't help stop it. Patients on anticoagulants need a hemostatic dressing.
Worry and lifestyle disruption
The fear of minor bleeds turning into something bigger leads some patients to discontinue medication.
HOW ALLAQUIX® HELPS
Hemostatic dressings made for harder bleeds
AllaQuix® hemostatic dressings work independently of the clotting cascade. They are made for people who normally have trouble stopping bleeding. Keep them in the first-aid drawer so you have them when you need them.
AllaQuix® High-Performance
Chitosan hemostatic gauze. Made with chitosan, the same technology used by the U.S. Military. Works independently of the clotting cascade.
Shop →AllaQuix® Lite
Calcium alginate, dual mechanism of action. Absorbs up to 20x its weight. For moderately draining cuts.
Shop →AllaQuix® Nose Bleed Plugs
Calcium alginate plugs sized for nasal use. Made for people who normally have trouble stopping bleeding.
Shop →QUICK GUIDE
What to do when a bleed happens
Apply pressure
Press a clean cloth, tissue, or gauze firmly. Hold for 10 to 15 minutes without peeking.
Use a hemostatic dressing
If pressure is not enough, apply AllaQuix® High-Performance or Lite. Made for people who normally have trouble stopping bleeding.
Cover and protect
Once bleeding slows, cover with an AllaQuix® Basic adhesive bandage. Watch for signs of infection.
Call medical care when needed
If bleeding does not slow in 15 minutes, or any sign of severe injury, call urgent care or 911.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Should I stop my anticoagulant if minor bleeds are bothering me?
No, not without talking to your doctor. Stopping an anticoagulant on your own raises your risk of the strokes and clots the medication is preventing. If minor bleeding is disrupting your life, that is exactly what hemostatic dressings are for. Bring it up with your prescriber and ask whether a product like AllaQuix® can help you manage it.
How are hemostatic dressings different from regular gauze?
Regular cotton gauze and adhesive bandages absorb blood but do nothing to stop it. Hemostatic dressings actively help bleeding stop. AllaQuix® High-Performance uses chitosan, which works independently of the clotting cascade, so it is designed for people who normally have trouble stopping bleeding.
Are AllaQuix® dressings safe for people on warfarin, Eliquis, or Xarelto?
Yes. AllaQuix® works by a mechanism that does not depend on the clotting pathway anticoagulants slow down, so it is well suited for patients on warfarin, Eliquis, Xarelto, Pradaxa, Plavix, or aspirin. It is for minor topical bleeding only, not emergencies.
How long should I apply pressure to a cut?
Apply firm, steady pressure for 10 to 15 minutes without lifting to peek. Lifting too early disrupts the forming seal and restarts the bleeding. If you use a hemostatic dressing, keep pressure over it for the full time.
When should I call my doctor about a bleed?
Call urgent care or 911 if bleeding does not slow after 15 minutes of pressure, if it is spurting or heavy, if the wound is deep or gaping, or if you see signs of a serious injury. Also call your doctor about frequent nosebleeds, blood in urine or stool, or unusual bruising while on anticoagulants.
Should I keep AllaQuix® in my car or work bag?
Yes. AllaQuix® is shelf-stable, needs no special storage, and is ready to use straight from the package. Keeping a dressing in your first-aid drawer, car, and work bag means you have it the moment you need it.
What is it not for?
AllaQuix® is for minor topical bleeding only. It is not for medical emergencies, arterial or severe bleeding, persistent uncontrolled bleeding, or internal use, and it does not replace stitches. When in doubt, seek medical care.
RELATED RESOURCES
Read more
GUIDE
Stop Bleeding on Blood Thinners
Patient guide for warfarin, Eliquis, Xarelto patients.
Read more →KEEP THE KIT READY
Add AllaQuix® to your first-aid drawer
Not for emergency, arterial, or severe bleeding. This page is patient education, not medical advice.