What is a significant side effect of anticoagulants?

Anticoagulants are medications that help prevent blood clot formation and are commonly used in the management of various cardiovascular conditions. One significant side effect of anticoagulants is easy bruising. This occurs because these medications inhibit the clotting cascade, making it more difficult for the body to form clots in response to injury. As a result, even minor trauma can lead to bleeding under the skin, which manifests as easy bruising.

While the other options – hyperglycemia, bloating, and weight gain – may be associated with other medications or conditions, they are not recognized as significant side effects of anticoagulants. For instance, hyperglycemia is more commonly linked to certain diabetes medications or steroid use. Bloating could occur with various treatments or dietary factors but is not a primary concern with anticoagulants. Weight gain can be related to different drugs but is not typically a side effect of anticoagulants. Understanding the risk of easy bruising is crucial for individuals on anticoagulant therapy, as it helps them monitor for potential bleeding complications and adjust their activity levels accordingly.