Read up on Deep vein thrombosis treatment options at Consumer Reports Health.

Deep vein thrombosis

Key points about treatments

You will need medications to treat your deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and to reduce your risk of having another blood clot. Your doctor will also advise you to wear elastic stockings to reduce your chance of having problems related to your DVT.

You will probably be given a drug called heparin for five days to seven days to prevent the clot from getting any bigger. You may be given this drug in the hospital through an IV (an

intravenous infusion
When a medicine or a fluid, such as blood, is fed directly into a vein, it's called an intravenous infusion (or IV). To give you an intravenous infusion, a nurse, technician or a doctor places a narrow plastic tube into a vein (usually in your arm) using a needle. The needle is then removed and the fluid is infused (or dripped) through the tube into the vein.

intravenous infusion) or shots. If you are well enough, the hospital may show you how to give yourself these shots at home.
You will also need to take another type of anti-clotting drug, called warfarin, for between six weeks and 12 months.
Your doctor will carefully work out the dose of your anti-clotting drug. If the dose is too high, you can get bleeding problems.
If you wear special support stockings, this will reduce your risk of having problems related to your DVT and your chance of getting DVT again.

This information was last updated on Jan 09, 2009

This information is for educational use only, and is not a substitute for prompt professional medical advice. Readers should always consult a physician or other professional for advice and treatment.
© BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2009. All rights reserved.

The information on ConsumerReportsHealth.org should not be viewed as a substitute for a consultation with a medical or health professional. The information is meant to enhance communication with your doctor, not replace it. Consumers Union can not be liable for any loss, injury, or other damages related to your use of this information.

Your use of this information is subject to our User Agreement available at www.ConsumerReportsHealth.org.