Indications
- Used to treat blood clots like deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE).
- Also prevents new clots from forming, reducing stroke or heart attack risk.
- Conditions increasing clot risk include atrial fibrillation, heart valve replacement, recent heart attack, and certain surgeries like hip/knee replacement.
- It smoothes blood flow by reducing clotting proteins.
Dosage and administration
- Read the Medication Guide from your pharmacist before starting warfarin and with each refill.
- Direct any questions to your doctor or pharmacist.
- Take orally with or without food as instructed by your healthcare professional, usually once daily.
- Adhere strictly to dosage instructions; do not alter dose frequency or amount without doctor’s direction.
- Dosage depends on medical condition, lab tests (e.g., INR), and treatment response.
- Your healthcare provider will closely monitor you to determine the appropriate dose.
- Take regularly to maximize benefits; maintain consistent timing.
- Maintain a balanced diet while on warfarin; certain foods can affect its effectiveness and your treatment.
- Avoid sudden large changes in vitamin K-rich foods intake.
- Consult your doctor before attempting weight loss diets.
- Pregnant women or those planning pregnancy should not handle the medication due to potential harm to the unborn baby through skin or inhalation.
Side effects
- Nausea, loss of appetite, or stomach/abdominal pain may occur; inform your doctor or pharmacist if they persist or worsen.
- The medication is prescribed because its benefits outweigh the risks for most people.
- Serious bleeding can occur if the medication affects blood clotting proteins excessively, indicated by high INR lab results.
- Even if the medication is stopped, the risk of bleeding may persist for up to a week.
- Notify your doctor immediately if you experience signs of serious bleeding such as frequent or uncontrollable nosebleeds, unusual pain/swelling/bruising, prolonged bleeding from cuts or gums, or any other symptoms listed.
- Report serious side effects promptly, including persistent nausea/vomiting, severe stomach/abdominal pain, or yellowing of the eyes/skin.
- Rarely, the medication may cause potentially fatal problems such as severe skin/tissue damage due to small blood clots, particularly at the beginning of treatment.
- Seek immediate medical attention if you develop painful/red/purplish patches on the skin, signs of kidney problems, vision changes, confusion, weakness on one side of the body, or any other serious symptoms mentioned.
- Serious allergic reactions to the drug are rare but require immediate medical attention; symptoms include rash, swelling, severe dizziness, or difficulty breathing.
- This list does not cover all possible side effects; contact your doctor or pharmacist if you notice any other effects not listed here.
Precautions
- Inform your doctor or pharmacist of any allergies to warfarin or other substances.
- This medication may contain inactive ingredients that can trigger allergic reactions or other issues.
- Disclose your medical history, especially blood disorders, bleeding problems, blood vessel disorders, recent major injury/surgery, kidney or liver disease, alcohol use, mental/mood disorders, or frequent falls/injuries.
- Ensure all healthcare providers are aware of your warfarin use before surgery or medical/dental procedures.
- Avoid intramuscular injections; if necessary, administer in the arm for easier bleeding monitoring.
- Warfarin may cause stomach bleeding; limit alcohol intake to reduce the risk and consult your doctor or pharmacist regarding safe alcohol consumption.
- Contact your doctor or pharmacist immediately if you experience poor diet, illness, fever, vomiting, diarrhea lasting more than 2 days, or start using antibiotics as these can affect warfarin’s efficacy.
- Exercise caution with sharp objects to prevent bleeding; use an electric razor and soft toothbrush and avoid contact sports.
- Seek medical attention promptly after a fall or injury, especially if you hit your head.
- Older adults may have a higher risk of bleeding with this medication.
- Inform your doctor if pregnant or planning pregnancy; avoid pregnancy during warfarin use as it may harm the unborn baby.
- A pregnancy test should be performed before starting warfarin; discuss reliable forms of birth control with your doctor.
- If pregnancy occurs or is planned, discuss management options with your doctor, who may consider switching medication.
- Pregnant or potentially pregnant women should avoid handling warfarin or inhaling tablet dust due to potential harm to the fetus.
- While small amounts may pass into breast milk, it’s unlikely to harm nursing infants; consult your doctor before breastfeeding.