Using anticoagulants safely

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Anticoagulation therapy has improved dramatically in the past half century, largely because careful use of heparin has been shown to be safe and effective in most patients. Enhancements such as low-molecular-weight heparins, which may lower the incidence of complications, continue to be studied. The authors summarize when and how to administer heparin, warfarin, and other agents and how to monitor the patient's reaction to see that the desired effect is being produced.