Several medications have recently been pulled from pharmacies due to serious cardiovascular risks, including blood clots, embolisms, strokes, and heart attacks. “Authorities warn that some drugs—especially hormonal contraceptives, anti-inflammatories, diet pills, and some COVID-19 therapies—may be linked to life-threatening conditions.”

Blood clots (thrombi) form when blood solidifies in veins or arteries. While normal clotting helps prevent bleeding, abnormal clots can block blood flow to vital organs, potentially causing strokes, pulmonary embolisms, or heart attacks.

People at higher risk include those with high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, a history of smoking, or inherited clotting disorders. “Health authorities have either restricted or suspended the use of affected drugs in various regions.”

Warning signs include sudden chest pain, difficulty breathing, swelling in limbs, severe headaches, blurred vision, and irregular heartbeat. These may indicate a clot and require immediate medical care.

Patients should not stop their medication without medical advice. Instead, they should “discuss concerns, consider alternative treatments, and report any side effects to health agencies.” Awareness and timely reporting can help prevent further health complications.