10/12/2026
The nickname leaves out the science.
Two types of medication commonly called “blood thinners” work on different parts of the clotting process:
Antiplatelets, such as aspirin and clopidogrel, help keep platelets from sticking together.
Anticoagulants, such as apixaban and warfarin, interfere with clotting proteins.
Your diagnosis determines which approach may help. These medications aren’t interchangeable, and both can increase bleeding risk—so never start, stop or substitute one without your prescribing clinician’s guidance.