Warfarin Medication - Uses & Side Effects

Generic Name: warfarin (WAR far in)

Brand Names: Coumadin

Warfarin is a medicine that prevents blood clotting (coagulating). It is called an anticoagulant or "blood thinner". Another name is Coumadin. It is often prescribed for patients with certain types of irregular heartbeat and after a heart attack or heart valve replacement surgery. It works by stopping the formation of substances that cause clots. Its activity has to be monitored by frequent blood testing for the international normalized ratio (INR). It is named for the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation. Sometimes warfarin is called a blood thinner because you may bleed more easily while taking it; however, warfarin does not actually thin the blood. The crystallization of warfarin sodium virtually eliminates trace impurities present in amorphous warfarin. Coumadin is important in preventing the formation of blood clots. It is the most common oral anticoagulant used today. Warfarin takes 36-48 hours to become effective, although if a rapid action is required, injections of heparin are given.

Warfarin Dosage:

• The dosage and administration of Coumadin must be individualized for each patient according to the particular patient's PT/INR response to the drug.
• Coumadin may be taken with or without food.
• The dosage of warfarin must be adjusted in relation to the results of your blood test, i.e: prothrombin time or INR (International Normalised Ratio).
• The INR suitable for each individual patient varies according to the individual's condition and the treatment being received, but is usually in the range of 2 - 3.5.

Uses of Warfarin:

• Coumadin is important in preventing the formation of blood clots.
• Warfarin is also used with other drugs in the treatment of some lung cancers.
• It is also important to prevent extension of clots already formed, and to minimize the risk of blood clot embolization to other vital organs such as the lungs and brain.
• Warfarin may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Side Effects of Warfarin:

Some common side effects reported with this medicine include:

• Prolonged bleeding from cuts.
• Headache.
• Shortness of breath.
• Unusual bleeding or bruising.
• Chills.
• Upset stomach.
• Bruising, nosebleeds.
• Skin rash.
• Muscle or other pain.
• Unexplained fever.
• Black or bloody stools.
• Unexplained swelling.
• Difficult breathing or swallowing.
• Stomach pain.

Warnings and precautions before taking Warfarin:

• Do not take any over-the-counter medicines without first talking to your prescriber or health care professional.
• If you have any unusual bruising or bleeding, contact your health care professional for advice right away.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking warfarin, call your doctor.
• Do not take this medicine if you have, an infection of your heart, fluid or swelling around your heart.
• Ask your doctor about the safe use of alcohol while you are taking warfarin.
• Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to warfarin, aspirin, tartrazine (a yellow dye in some medications and processed foods), or any other drugs.

Drug Interaction:

• Drugs may interact with Coumadin through pharmacodynamic or pharmacokinetic mechanisms.
• Many drugs, both prescription and nonprescription (OTC), can affect the anticoagulant action of Coumadin.
• A few examples of such medications include Aspirin, Tylenol, alcohol, ibuprofen (Motrin), cimetidine (Tagamet), oxandrolone (Oxandrin), certain vitamins, and antibiotics.
• Patients on Coumadin should regularly consult their doctor before instituting any medications on their own.

Overdose:

• If you are taking certain drugs with warfarin, then other drugs may decreased or increased and altered the effects.
• In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222.
• Symptoms of a warfarin overdose may include bruising, broken blood vessels under the skin, blood in the urine or stools, and heavy menstrual periods in women.
• If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

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