Specific drugs vary by country, but health agencies have flagged several types of medications that may elevate clotting risk in certain individuals. These include:

• Hormonal contraceptives (especially third-generation birth control pills)
• Some non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Specific diet pills and appetite suppressants
• A limited number of COVID-19-related treatments and vaccines (rare cases only)

Regulatory agencies such as the FDA (U.S.), EMA (Europe), and other national health ministries have either limited, suspended, or recalled certain drugs as a precaution. The heightened risk appears especially pronounced in people with:

• High blood pressure or cardiovascular disease
• Smoking history
• Obesity
• Diabetes
• Family or personal history of clotting disorders

Warning Signs to Watch For

If you’ve recently taken any of the above medications, contact a healthcare provider immediately if you experience:

• Sudden chest pain or pressure
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Unexplained swelling, particularly in the legs or arms
• Severe headache, vision changes, or slurred speech
• Rapid or irregular heartbeat

Do not ignore these symptoms—seek emergency medical care. Prompt treatment is critical to avoid irreversible damage or death from clot-related complications.

What Should You Do Now?

• Do NOT stop taking prescribed medication on your own. Talk to your doctor before making any changes.
• If you are concerned, ask your provider whether an alternative medication or added monitoring is appropriate.
• Stay informed by checking updates from your country’s health ministry or global health bodies like the World Health Organization (WHO) or CDC.
• Report any unusual side effects or health events to your country’s adverse event monitoring system.