GI Bleeding: Causes, Risks, and Medications That Can Trigger It

When you hear GI bleeding, internal bleeding in the digestive tract that can range from mild to life-threatening. Also known as gastrointestinal bleeding, it doesn’t always mean bright red blood in the stool. Sometimes it’s hidden—causing fatigue, dizziness, or low iron without obvious signs. This isn’t just a side effect you can ignore. It’s a red flag that something in your digestive system is damaged, irritated, or under too much stress.

Many common medications quietly increase your risk. Blood thinners, drugs like warfarin or aspirin that prevent clots but also make bleeding easier are top culprits. If you’re on one, even a small ulcer can turn into a major bleed. NSAIDs, pain relievers like ibuprofen or naproxen used for arthritis or sports injuries wear down the stomach lining over time. And anticoagulants, including newer drugs like rivaroxaban or apixaban, which are often prescribed for atrial fibrillation or deep vein thrombosis don’t just thin your blood—they make every tiny tear in your gut more dangerous.

It’s not just about what you take—it’s about how you take it. Mixing NSAIDs with blood thinners? That’s a double hit. Taking aspirin daily for heart health while also using ibuprofen for knee pain? You’re stacking risks. Even something as simple as skipping meals while on these meds can turn a minor irritation into a serious bleed. And here’s the scary part: many people don’t feel pain until it’s too late. That’s why fatigue, black stools, or unexplained weakness shouldn’t be shrugged off as "just aging" or "stress."

The posts below dig into exactly this. You’ll find real-world examples: how warfarin affects pregnancy, why sertraline can interact dangerously with blood thinners, and how buying cheap generic versions online might seem smart—but could cost you your gut health. You’ll also see how pain meds like aceclofenac, used for sports injuries, can quietly contribute to this problem. No fluff. Just clear, practical connections between everyday meds and the hidden risk of GI bleeding.