Weekly dosing regimens are helpful for patients who will continue anticoagulation therapy after discharge, especially those patients who may require long-term therapy. For patients who will have post-discharge anticoagulation needs, begin a weekly dosing regimen with the initial medication order in the hospital. This allows these patients to practice administering their own medications under the supervision of medical staff before they are discharged from the hospital. When anticoagulant doses are prescribed for administration every other day, the weekly dosing regimen helps staff members and patients keep track of the total weekly amount administered. Tracking both the individual doses and the total weekly dose provides a double-check that the proper dose is being administered.