What are common adverse effects of anticoagulants?

The chosen answer identifies abdominal cramps and bleeding as common adverse effects of anticoagulants, which is accurate as these medications primarily work by inhibiting the coagulation cascade to prevent blood clots. A well-known consequence of increased anticoagulation is the risk of serious bleeding, which can manifest in various ways, including gastrointestinal bleeding that may lead to abdominal cramps. This bleeding is particularly concerning because it can occur without significant warning and may result in severe outcomes if not managed promptly.

While the other options could be associated with drug reactions or other medication classes, they are not as directly linked to the pharmacological action of anticoagulants. For instance, fatigue and headache are generally more common side effects of many medications but do not specifically relate to the bleeding risk associated with anticoagulant therapy. Nausea and vomiting may occur but are not typically characterized as major adverse effects of these agents. Lastly, allergic reactions and rashes, although possible, are not the primary concerns for patients on anticoagulants compared to the very real risk of bleeding complications. Thus, recognizing abdominal cramps and bleeding as common adverse effects highlights the critical nature of monitoring and managing patients on anticoagulant therapy effectively.