The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) recently released “Staying Active and Healthy with Blood Thinners,” a free 10-minute video in English and Spanish. This tool helps educate patients about how to use anticoagulant drugs safely and effectively.

Almost 2 million Americans are prescribed anticoagulant medications each year to reduce their risk of thrombosis. Any patient on anticoagulant therapy, regardless of the initial cause or specific medical regimen, can benefit from the video. The video was specifically designed to complement the education patients receive in their doctor’s office, clinic, pharmacy, or hospital.

For a free copy of the DVD, call (800) 358-9295 or e-mail [email protected]. English and Spanish language copies of a companion print brochure, Blood Thinner Pills: Your Guide to Using Them Safety/Pastillas que diluyen la sangre: Guía para su uso seguro, are also available without charge. Both the video and brochure are also available for viewing or downloading on the AHRQ Web site at www.ahrq.gov/consumer/btpills.htm or in Spanish at www.ahrq.gov/consumer/btpillssp.htm. For details about these and other helpful materials, visit www.ahrq.gov.