The most common side effect is bleeding. To lower your chance of bleeding, your INR should be in the range set for you. If you have any of the side effects listed below, tell your health-care provider right away. You may need to change your dose. Levi M et al. Bleeding in patients receiving vitamin K antagonists who would have been excluded from trials on which the indication for anticoagulation was based.
Blood May 1; Comment Evidence-based medicine supports the use of VKAs for management of patients with a variety of disorders.
Citation s : Levi M et al. Your doctor may order a blood test to help find the dose of warfarin that is best for you. Warfarin prevents blood from clotting so it may take longer than usual for you to stop bleeding if you are cut or injured. Avoid activities or sports that have a high risk of causing injury. Call your doctor if bleeding is unusual or if you fall and get hurt, especially if you hit your head. Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory.
Your doctor will order a blood test PT [prothrombin test] reported as INR [international normalized ratio] value regularly to check your body's response to warfarin. If your doctor tells you to stop taking warfarin, the effects of this medication may last for 2 to 5 days after you stop taking it.
Your doctor or pharmacist will give you the manufacturer's patient information sheet Medication Guide when you begin treatment with warfarin and each time you refill your prescription. Read the information carefully and ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions. Warfarin is used to prevent blood clots from forming or growing larger in your blood and blood vessels. It is prescribed for people with certain types of irregular heartbeat, people with prosthetic replacement or mechanical heart valves, and people who have suffered a heart attack.
Warfarin is also used to treat or prevent venous thrombosis swelling and blood clot in a vein and pulmonary embolism a blood clot in the lung. Warfarin is in a class of medications called anticoagulants 'blood thinners'. It works by decreasing the clotting ability of the blood.
Warfarin comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken once a day with or without food. Take warfarin at around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take warfarin exactly as directed.
Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Call your doctor immediately if you take more than your prescribed dose of warfarin. Your doctor will probably start you on a low dose of warfarin and gradually increase or decrease your dose based on the results of your blood tests. Make sure you understand any new dosing instructions from your doctor. Continue to take warfarin even if you feel well.
Do not stop taking warfarin without talking to your doctor. For people with heart disease or stroke: If you have heart disease or a history of stroke, your blood vessels may already be damaged and can easily bleed.
Warfarin may increase your risk of bleeding. For people with low blood count or cancer: Some cancers can cause internal bleeding. You may have a higher risk of bleeding if you take warfarin. For people who have had head trauma: Warfarin thins your blood. For people with kidney problems: If you have a history of kidney disease, warfarin increases your risk of serious kidney damage.
In addition, you have a higher bleeding risk when taking warfarin. For both of these reasons, your doctor will likely monitor your INR international normalized ratio closely to check how your blood is clotting. For pregnant women: Warfarin should not be used during pregnancy except in women with mechanical heart valves, who are at high risk of clots.
A clot can harm both the mother and the baby. Warfarin should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk.
Women who are breastfeeding: Warfarin may pass through breast milk. Your doctor may give you a lower warfarin dose.
This dosage information is for warfarin oral tablet. All possible dosages and forms may not be included here. Your dose, form, and how often you take it will depend on:. The typical starting dose is 5 mg to 10 mg once per day. Your dose may change over time based on your test and your condition. However, because drugs affect each person differently, we cannot guarantee that this list includes all possible dosages.
Always to speak with your doctor or pharmacist about dosages that are right for you. Warfarin may be a short-term or long-term drug treatment. How long you take this medication depends on your condition. If you skip or miss doses: Stopping or missing doses can cause complications, such as heart attack, stroke, or blood clots in your veins or lungs. If you take too much: Taking too much warfarin can lead to life-threatening bleeding.
Call your doctor or local poison control center or go to the nearest emergency room. What to do if you miss a dose: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. This could result in dangerous side effects. How to tell if the drug is working: You may not feel any different if warfarin is working. However, you may notice reduced bleeding.
Your doctor will do blood tests to see how well the drug is working. Warfarin tablets may be split during therapy. A prescription for this medication is refillable. You should not need a new prescription for this medication to be refilled.
Your doctor will write the number of refills authorized on your prescription. You must have regular blood tests and visits with your doctor to monitor your condition.
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