Von Willebrand disease

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Lifestyle and home remedies

By Mayo Clinic staff

To reduce your risk of complications from von Willebrand disease, take these steps:

  • Switch pain relievers. To help prevent bleeding episodes, don't take blood-thinning medications, such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others) or naproxen (Aleve, Anaprox), without the approval of your doctor. Your doctor may recommend pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) instead for routine aches and pains and for fever.
  • Avoid blood thinners and some antidepressants. Your doctor may also advise you to avoid prescription blood thinners such as clopidogrel (Plavix), warfarin (Coumadin) and heparin. And some antidepressants — such as citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Lexapro), fluoxetine (Prozac, Prozac Weekly), paroxetine (Paxil, Paxil CR, Pexeva) or sertraline (Zoloft) — can lead to mild platelet dysfunction, which may worsen bleeding symptoms. Your doctor may recommend switching to a different antidepressant.
  • Stay active. Keep your weight at normal levels and stay physically active. However, avoid activities that could cause bruising (for example, football, wrestling, hockey). Safe activities that can keep your muscles flexible and joints healthy include walking, bicycling and swimming.
Prevention Treatments and drugs
References
  1. Von Willebrand disease. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/vWD/vWD_WhatIs.html. Accessed Dec. 17, 2010.
  2. Rick ME. Clinical presentation and diagnosis of von Willebrand disease. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index. Accessed Dec. 17, 2010.
  3. Rick ME. Treatment of von Willebrand disease. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index. Accessed Dec. 12, 2008. Accessed Dec. 17, 2010.
  4. Noel P (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Jan. 14, 2011.
  5. Rosenow EC (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Dec. 20, 2010.
DS00903 Feb. 5, 2011

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