Warfarin
Coumadin
loodDrug Class and Mechanism of Action of Warfarin
Warfarin is related to anticoagulants. It is often said that the warfarin is a “blood thinner”. So the medication acts by helping the blood to flow through the human body. It is caused due to decrease of such materials as clotting proteins from the blood flow.
Therapeutic Uses of Warfarin
Warfarin is applied to treat certain blood clots as well as to prevent appearing new clots. Such treatment decreases the general possibility of occurring stroke or heart attack. As for the blood clots they are commonly appear due to irregular heart rhythm, heart valve replacement, heart attack overcome as well as several surgeries.
Direction of use of Warfarin
Before starting the warfarin therapy read the medication guide carefully.
- The medication should be taken orally before, during or after the meal. The drug is taken one time per day or according to your doctor prescriptions.
- Follow doctor’s prescriptions carefully and don’t change the dosage of the drug used as it prescribed according to your condition after the check at the doctor.
- Monitor your diet when taking the warfarin as certain foods may affect negatively the treatment. Don’t increase you suddenly decrease the use of Vitamin K (contained in broccoli cabbage, kale, spinach, liver, green tea). Also limit the cranberry products as they may also affect certainly the treatment.
Dose of Warfarin, if Missed
In case you have missed to take the warfarin take it as soon as you remember. However in case it is already time for thee next dosage then skip the missed one and follow your common schedule. Avoid taking two doses at once as the risk of bleeding increases. Inform your doctor about the missed doses. And contact your doctor immediately in case you have missed two or more doses.
How to Store Warfarin
The medication should be stored at the temperature between 68-77 degrees F (20-25 degrees C) in the dark and dry place. However the storage temperature may vary. It depends up to the drug manufacturer. Thus contact your doctor in case you are not sure about storage terms. Keep the medication in the place beyond the reach of children and pets. Avoid storing it in the bathroom.
Warfarin should be also discarded properly. Avoid flushing into the toilet. Consult you health-care provider to know how to discard the medication.
More Information About Warfarin
Avoid giving the medication to the people who are not prescribed to use it. Make sure you keep the medical appointments.
Remember that warfarin may lead to bleeding (often quite serious ones). Commonly this happens within the first treatment with this medication or due to overdose.
Your doctor monitor will prevent you from bleeding. So, follow all appointments your doctor provides carefully. And contact your doctor or health-care provider in case you notice any signs of the bleeding.
Precautions to be Taken While Taking Warfarin
Let the doctor know your medical history and especially in case you experienced: liver disease, alcohol abuse, mood disorders, recent major surgery, bleeding problems, blood vessel disorders, blood disorders, heart failure, thyroid problems. Furthermore, when visiting other specialist and dentists let them know about your warfarin therapy. Warfarin may also interact with various medications, even those applied inside the vagina or rectum. Let any doctor know you are using any of the medications before starting the warfarin therapy.
Do not combine warfarin with such drugs as:
- imatinib, mifepristone
- aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
- herbal medications
Do not use the medication in case:
- You experience any allergies, and certain medical conditions as bleeding disorders.
- You are within pregnancy period or planning to become pregnant. As the drug may harm human fetus seriously.
- You are at the breast-feeding period. It is still not clear whether the drug may appear in the breast milk and thus affect the baby.
Important notes to consider:
- The use of the drug may cause stomach bleeding. So limit your alcohol intake as it will contribute to the bleeding process.
- In case you experience certain illness causing fever, vomiting or diarrhea or if you started certain antibiotics therapy – contact your doctor at once.
- Avoid using or use with caution sharp objects as the drug may cause serious bleeding. Also avoid contact sports. In case you have got any injure contact your doctor immediately.
Possible Adverse Effects
Contact your doctor immediately in case you experience any of the following signs: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
In case you experience any of the side-effects below contact your doctor:
- skin changes or discoloration anywhere on your body;
- purple toes or fingers;
- pain in your stomach, back, or sides;
- low fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
- diarrhea, fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms;
- easy bruising or bleeding that will not stop;
- blood in your urine;
- black, bloody, or tarry stools;
- nosebleeds, bleeding gums, coughing up blood;
- feeling weak or light-headed;
- sudden headache, confusion, problems with vision, speech, or balance;
- sudden leg or foot pain; or
- sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body.
Contact your doctor if possible in case you have any of these less serious side effects:
- nausea, vomiting, stomach pain;
- gas and bloating; or
- hair loss.
