Medicines Optimisation Programme: Starting Anticoagulation with Jack

Anticoagulants are prescribed to prevent harmful blood clots that can lead to stroke. They are designed to prevent or treat clots, but can increase the risk of bleeding. Patients and carers need advice and information about how these medicines work, and their potential side effects.

Wessex AHSN, on behalf of the AHSN Network, has created a new video to meet this need for patients, their family and carers after anticoagulants have been prescribed. Starting Anticoagulation with Jack explains about clotting and why abnormal clots can form as people age. The different types of medicines are shown, and Jack and his son discuss common concerns, side effects and sources of support.

We know that many people taking anticoagulants don’t fully understand what side effects to look out for, or when to seek help. Starting Anticoagulation with Jack has been created to prevent people becoming unwell while on anticoagulant medicines, and avoid unnecessary admissions to hospital.

To watch a subtitled version of the film and to see the Patient Information Leaflet, go to www.wessexahsn.org.uk/jack

Once you’ve watched the film, please give your feedback via the brief online survey at https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/VS66ZFB

If you would like to find out more you can follow Jack on Facebook by searching for ‘Starting Anticoagulation With Jack’ or on twitter by searching @StopTheClots.