3. Weight-Loss Pills & Appetite Suppressants
Certain diet drugs — past and present — have been pulled due to cardiovascular risks.
Examples:
Fenfluramine (part of “Fen-Phen”) — withdrawn in 1997 for heart valve damage
Sibutramine — banned in 2010 for increasing heart attack and stroke risk
⚠️ Today, some over-the-counter “fat burners” contain unregulated stimulants that may raise blood pressure and clot risk.
📌 Avoid unapproved supplements — stick to FDA-approved weight-loss medications under medical supervision.
4. Rare Cases: COVID-19 Treatments & Vaccines
During the pandemic, rare clotting events were linked to:
Adenovirus-vector vaccines (like Johnson & Johnson and AstraZeneca) — associated with VITT (vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia)
Some anticoagulant therapies — if mismanaged
✅ Important: The risk was extremely rare — and the benefits of vaccination far outweighed the risks for most people.
📌 If you had a reaction, it’s recorded in your medical history — inform future providers.
🚨 Warning Signs of a Blood Clot — Seek Help Immediately
If you’re taking any of these medications — or have recently — know the symptoms.
Seek emergency care if you experience:
🫀
Sudden chest pain or pressure
Heart attack or pulmonary embolism
🌬️
Shortness of breath or coughing (especially with blood)
Lung clot
🦵
Swelling, pain, or warmth in one leg
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
🧠
Sudden severe headache, vision changes, or slurred speech
Stroke
💓
Rapid or irregular heartbeat
