Platelets are blood cells that help stop bleeding by making your blood clot. If your platelet count gets too low, you may bleed or bruise more easily than usual.

• Unexpected bruising or small red spots (petechiae) often on the stomach or legs.
• Bleeding from the gums, mouth or nose.
• Reddish or pinkish urine.
• Black or bloody bowel movements.
• Coughing or vomiting blood.
• Headaches, dizziness or fainting.
• Any bleeding that will not stop.
• Heavier or longer periods.
  

Call your physician or nurse if you have any of the above symptoms.

• Use a soft-bristle toothbrush to clean your teeth.
• Check with your doctor before having any dental work done.
• When using tools, knives, needles or scissors, take care not to nick or cut yourself.
• Avoid contact sports and other activities that might result in injury.
• Use an electric shaver instead of a razor for shaving.
• Apply pressure to any bleeding injury until the bleeding stops.
• Avoid aspirin or products containing aspirin.
• Avoid alcoholic beverages, mouthwash, liquid cold medicine, or any other over-the-counter medication that contains alcohol.
• Do not use suppositories or put anything in your rectum.
• Women, do not use tampons or put anything in your vagina.