Most people trust that the medicines they take every day come with clear instructions.
Few stop to question whether the small print covers every real-life scenario. But one recent inquest suggests that assumption may not always hold true.
A 64-year-old London finance executive died days after a seemingly minor fall while taking the blood thinner apixaban.
The case has triggered renewed scrutiny of how risks linked to anticoagulants are communicated to patients in the UK.
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A sudden turn
The man, described as active and health-conscious, fell during a work trip in August 2025. He initially appeared well, but several days later developed severe symptoms linked to a brain bleed.
At the inquest, Assistant Coroner Sarah Bourke warned that patient leaflets for apixaban did not clearly explain what to do after a head injury.
She issued a prevention of future deaths report, highlighting concerns that similar cases could occur again without clearer guidance.
Apixaban is widely prescribed to reduce stroke risk in people with heart rhythm disorders. According to the NHS, blood thinners can increase the risk of internal bleeding, particularly after trauma.
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Known medical risk
Medical researchers have long documented the danger of delayed intracranial haemorrhage in anticoagulated patients after head injury.
A study published in the British Medical Journal notes that even minor trauma can lead to serious complications in such cases.
Key risks associated with blood thinners include:
- Increased bleeding after falls
- Delayed symptoms following head trauma
- Higher mortality if treatment is not immediate
Growing calls for reform
The case has intensified calls for clearer patient advice and stronger safety messaging. Health experts stress that anyone taking anticoagulants should seek urgent assessment after any head injury, even if symptoms seem mild.
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Sources: Express
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