Thanksgiving is one of the busiest times to fly in the US all year. People with risk factors for blood clots who plan to fly might be looking for ways to reduce their risk.
Some patients might ask about maritime pine bark extract (Pycnogenol). Early research showed that taking Pycnogenol before a long flight might reduce the risk of blood clots. But newer research shows that Pycnogenol doesn't reduce this risk in people using other preventative measures, like aspirin and compression stockings. People at high risk for blood clots should use these options for first line prevention. But taking Pycnogenol in addition to these other measures might help reduce other problems associated with flying, such as leg swelling and leg pain after long flights. Patients can still consider Pycnogenol for those benefits.
For more details, check out our recently updated monograph.
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