Warfarin

Pronunciation

Brand Names

Canadian/Mexican Brand Names

Therapeutic Categories

What is this medicine used for?

• This medicine is used to thin the blood so that clots will not form. There are a variety of medical conditions where this is needed.

How does it work?

• Warfarin prevents the liver from producing the factors that thicken/clot our blood.

How is it best taken?

• Take with or without food. Take with food if this medicine causes an upset stomach. Take at a similar time every day.
• Follow diet plan as recommended by healthcare provider. Keep vitamin K intake constant. Talk with nutritionist.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
• If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Return to your regular schedule.
• Do not take a double dose or extra doses.
• Do not change dose or stop taking medicine without talking with healthcare provider.

What are the precautions when taking this medicine?

• Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.
• Wear drug medical alert identification.
• Limit alcohol intake (no more than 5 ounces of wine, 1 ounce of liquor, or 12 ounces of beer/day).
• If you have had a stomach ulcer or bleeding, tell healthcare provider.
• You will have a tendency to bleed more easily. Use caution to prevent injury and avoid falls or accidents.
• Tell dentists, surgeons, and other healthcare providers about this medicine.
• Avoid other blood thinners (aspirin, aspirin-containing products, ibuprofen or like products, ticlopidine, clopidogrel, garlic, ginseng, ginkgo, vitamin E) unless approved by healthcare provider.
• Avoid multivitamins, herbal products, dietary supplements (Ensure® and like products) that contain additional vitamin K .
• Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, throat; or any other symptoms involved.
• Do not use in pregnancy and do not get pregnant. Use birth control that you can trust while taking this medicine.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.

What are the common side effects of this medicine?

• Bleeding problems. This includes nosebleeds, coughing up blood, blood in the urine or stool, or bruising.

What should I monitor?

• Prothrombin time/INR every 4-6 weeks once stable (more frequently before that). Talk with healthcare provider.
• Watch for signs and symptoms of bleeding. If any, report them to healthcare provider as soon as possible.
• Take good care of your teeth. See a dentist every 6 months.

Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately

• Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; tightness in the chest; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Severe headaches or backaches. Passing out, fainting, dizziness, or lightheadedness.
• Changes in thinking clearly and logically.
• Blood in the stool and toilet bowl, vomiting blood, or coughing up blood.
• Any falls or accidents especially if you hit your head (even if you feel fine).
• Any change in skin color to a black or purple color.
• Any rash.
• Unusual bruising or bleeding.

How should I store this medicine?

• Store in a dry place at room temperature.

General statements

• Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
• Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, herbal/supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, pharmacist, physician assistant)
• Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter or natural products (herbs, vitamins).

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