Patients on anticoagulants should inform healthcare providers about which of the following?

Patients on anticoagulants must inform healthcare providers about all medications and supplements they are taking because this information is critical for their safety and proper management of their therapy. Anticoagulants can interact with a wide range of drugs, including over-the-counter medications, herbal supplements, and vitamins, potentially increasing the risk of bleeding or reducing the effectiveness of the anticoagulant therapy. This comprehensive disclosure allows healthcare providers to assess potential drug interactions and adjust dosages or medication plans as necessary to ensure optimal patient care.

Other aspects, such as allergy history, prescription medications, and family medical history, while important, are not as directly relevant to the immediate management of anticoagulation therapy and potential interactions. Therefore, the emphasis on providing a complete list of all medications and supplements is paramount for safe anticoagulant use.