WARFARIN

Who is Warfarin for ?

Warfarin is used to prevent blood clots from forming or growing larger. It is often prescribed for patients with certain types of irregular heartbeat and after a heart attack or heart valve replacement surgery. this medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Warfarin also is used with other drugs in the treatment of some lung cancers. Talk to your doctor about the possible risks of using this drug for your condition.

Warfarin is an anticoagulant that helps prevent clots from forming in the blood. It works by stopping or blocking the formation of certain substances that cause clots. Many clotting factors, or substances, are dependent upon vitamin K. Vitamin K is needed to help the blood to clot and prevent excess bleeding during an injury. Warfarin blocks the re-use of vitamin K in the liver and thus "regulates" the blood's clotting capacity. Many patients refer to this as "blood thinning," but in fact, warfarin does not make your blood thinner like water. Instead it makes your blood less able to form potentially dangerous clots.

When should I be careful taking Warfarin ?

Before 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.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially other heart medications, antibiotics, aspirin, cimetidine (Tagamet), medications for high cholesterol and pain, and vitamins. Many medications interfere with the effectiveness of warfarin. It is important that you tell your doctor every medication that you take, including nonprescription medications. Do not take any new medications without talking to your doctor.
• tell your doctor if you have had your prostate removed, have or have ever had a stroke, kidney or liver disease, high blood pressure, a thyroid condition, diabetes, tuberculosis, a bleeding disorder, ulcers, leukemia, vitamin C deficiency, colostomy bag, or intestinal disease.
• 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.
• if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking warfarin. Your doctor may tell you to stop taking warfarin 3 days before your procedure. Follow these directions.
• ask your doctor about the safe use of alcohol while you are taking warfarin.

Side Effects

Although side effects from warfarin are not common, they can occur. Warfarin may turn your urine red-orange; this effect is harmless. If you think your urine contains blood, call your doctor immediately. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• headache
• upset stomach
• diarrhea
• fever
• skin rash

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

• unusual bleeding or bruising
• black or bloody stools
• blood in the urine
• tiredness
• unexplained fever
• chills
• sore throat
• stomach pain