Expert: J.P. Saleeby, MD - 3/21/2003

Question
How long would an injection of a blood thinner work? If it were received in the stomach, would it work for days or just hours?

Answer
Shirley,

There are several agents used to thin the blood or increase the PTT so as to avoid DVT.  Usually in post surgical patients religated to bedrest or in those with existing DVT or PE.  Heparin or low molecular weight heparin or other agents are used.  An injection subcutaneously (SQ) is indicated usually once every 24 hours.  Other agents may have longer half-life, but a single injection is usually measured in hours to a day rather than days to weeks.

JP Saleeby, MD
www.longevity-institute.com