Warfarin Tablets

Description

Brand names: Coumadin, Jantoven

Generic name: Warfarin

What is warfarin and what is it used for:

Warfarin is an anticoagulant medication used to prevent blood clots from forming or getting bigger. It is commonly used to prevent or treat conditions such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE), and stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation (AFib) or artificial heart valves. Warfarin works by inhibiting the body’s ability to use vitamin K to form blood clots.

How to take warfarin:

Warfarin is taken orally, usually once daily at the same time each day. The dosage and duration of treatment will depend on the individual’s condition and response to treatment. It is important to take warfarin exactly as prescribed, and not to stop or change the dosage without consulting a healthcare provider. It is also important to attend regular blood tests to monitor the effectiveness of the medication and adjust the dosage if needed.

Possible side effects of warfarin:

Warfarin may cause some side effects, including:

Bruising or bleeding easily
Blood in urine or stool
Headache
Dizziness
Weakness
Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Itching
Hair loss
Purple toes syndrome (rare)
If any of these side effects persist or worsen, inform your doctor immediately. Seek emergency medical attention if you experience signs of bleeding, such as unusual bleeding, easy bruising, or blood in the urine or stool.

Precautions and warnings for warfarin:

Before taking warfarin, inform your doctor if you have any medical conditions, such as liver disease, kidney disease, high blood pressure, or bleeding disorders. Warfarin may interact with certain medications, including antibiotics, antifungal medications, and anti-inflammatory drugs. It is important to inform your doctor of all medications and supplements you are taking.

Warfarin can increase the risk of bleeding, so it is important to take precautions to avoid injury and to report any signs of bleeding to your healthcare provider immediately. It is also important to avoid excessive consumption of alcohol and to maintain a consistent intake of vitamin K-containing foods, such as leafy green vegetables.

Warfarin should not be used during pregnancy unless specifically recommended by a healthcare provider. It is also important to inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding, as warfarin can pass into breast milk.