Page 1 of 3 WARFARIN Why is this medication prescribed?
Warfarin is used to prevent blood clots (thrombosis) from forming or growing larger in the arteries or veins. Warfarin has an anticoagulant effect on the blood. It slows down the clotting process helping to prevent thrombosis from occurring or reoccurring.
Blood clots can lead to stroke, heart attack or thrombosis in the lungs or legs.
Warfarin may be used for any of the following conditions:
Deep vein Thrombosis (blood clots in the legs)
Pulmonary Embolus (blood clots in the lungs) Heart Conditions (Atrial Fibrillation, Valve Surgery) Stroke Other Blood Clotting Conditions
This medicine is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
How does Warfarin work?
The liver is the body’s main factory. Here, sugars, fats and proteins are broken down and others are made. It is this site where the body makes the proteins it uses to cause the blood to clot. The body’s action in blood clotting is quite complex, and uses a series of proteins secreted into the blood by th
Warfarin slows the production of some of these clotting proteins that are made in the liver. It does so by inhibiting the action of Vitamin K, which promotes the formation of some of the clotting proteins.
Disclaimer: This brochure has been prepared by HeartRx for informational purposes only and is not medical advice .All care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of information, however this information may be changed, improved or updated without notice.
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How should this medicine be used?
Warfarin comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It should be taken roughly at the same time every day. Warfarin can be taken before, during or after a meal. Most people take their Warfarin in the evening.
Warfarin tablets come in different strengths (e.g. 1mg, 2mg, 3mg and 5mg.) Your doctor will prescribe you each of the different strengths as you will need to alter your dose depending on the results of your International Normalized Ratio (INR)
Your doctor may change your dose to 4mg:
There are two brands of Warfarin: Coumadin and Marevan.
DO NOT swap from one brand to the other. DO NOT combine these brands. DO NOT stop taking Warfarin without talking to your doctor. Missed dose:
If you remember within 3-4 hours then take the dose. If you are unsure or remember after this time, then take your normal dose the next day. Do not take a double dose in order to make up for the missed dose.
Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part of it that you do not understand. Take Warfarin exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it then prescribed by your doctor. If you have trouble with this (for example – poor vision), have someone help you with your pills.
Why do I need to have regular blood tests while taking warfarin?
The regular blood test that you have while taking Warfarin measures your International Normalized Ratio (INR). INR is an International Normalized Ratio of the anti-clotting effect of your blood. You will need to have your blood checked at regular
Disclaimer: This brochure has been prepared by HeartRx for informational purposes only and is not medical advice .All care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of information, however this information may be changed, improved or updated without notice.
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intervals to ensure that you are taking the right dose. This is usually more frequent when you commence Warfarin as it takes time to determine the dose of Warfarin that enables you to achieve a therapeutic level.
What special precautions should I follow? DO NOT take any prescription or nonprescription (these include vitamin, mineral and herbal supplements) medicines without first talking to your doctor. Certain medications such as Aspirin, Ibuprofen and antibiotics can interfere with your INR level. Remind anyone who prescribes medicine to you that you are on Warfarin.
Maintain a balanced diet. Foods high in Vitamin K will affect your INR level. These include: Green, leafy vegetables such as: broccoli, lettuce, spinach, cabbage and parsley. Doctors usually encourage patients to include these nutritious foods in a healthy diet. Try to maintain a consistent portion of foods containing Vitamin K to help keep your INR stable.
Alcohol will affect your response to Warfarin. Discuss your alcohol consumption with your doctor.
Inform the person doing the procedure that you are taking Warfarin.
Report any unusual bleeding or bruising to your doctor. If you have a serious fall or bump your head, it is advised that you see your doctor.
You should not take Warfarin if you are pregnant. Notify your doctor immediately if you are pregnant.
Disclaimer: This brochure has been prepared by HeartRx for informational purposes only and is not medical advice .All care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of information, however this information may be changed, improved or updated without notice.
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