Drug Name: Warfarin
Brand Names: Coumadin, Jantoven, Marevan and Waran
Generic Name: Warfarin (war' far in)
Uses: Warfarin is an anticoagulant (blood thinner) used in treating patients with blood clots. It helps prevent blood clots from forming in blood vessels anywhere in the body after a heart attack and prevent extension of clots already formed. Warfarin is an antagonist of Vitamin K, a necessary element in the synthesis of the body’s clotting factors. Antagonism of vitamin K or a deficiency of this vitamin reduces the rate at which these factors are produced, thereby creating a state of anticoagulation.
How to use: Warfarin is taken orally, usually once a day. It may be taken with or without food.
Side Effects: The most common side effect of Warfarin is hemorrhage (bleeding) but the problem of too much bleeding is very low. Warfarin may turn your urine into red-orange but this is harmless. Call your doctor immediately if your urine contains blood and you experienced unusual bleeding or bruising, black or bloody stools, tiredness, unexplained fever, chills, sore throat, stomach pain, headache, diarrhea and skin rash.
Precautions: Before taking Warfarin, tell your doctor if you are allergic to Warfarin, Aspirin or any other drugs. Also inform your doctor on the medications you are taking and if you had your prostate removed, had a stroke, kidney or liver disease, high blood pressure, thyroid condition, diabetes, tuberculosis, a bleeding disorder, ulcers, leukemia, vitamin C deficiency or intestinal disease. Warfarin should be avoided by pregnant women because it is reported to cause birth defects and fetal bleeding.
Drug Interaction: Many medications, herbal products, certain vitamins and food may interfere with the effectiveness of Warfarin. Among of them are Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Cimetidine, Macrolides, Acetaminophen, Allopurinol, Amiodarone, antifungal agents such as Fluconazole, Ketoconazole and Miconazole, anti-thyroid drugs, barbiturates, Carbamazepine, oral contraceptives, corticosteroids, Danazol, Diflunisal, Disulfiram, Ethanol, Fluvoxamine, Heparin, Isoniazid, Metronidazole, Paroxetine, Penicillins, Phenytoin, Propafenone, Quinolones, Rifabutin, Salicylates, Sulfinpyrazone, thyroid hormones, Ticlopidine and Bactrim, Vitamins K and E, and herbal products such as Ginko (Ginkgo Biloba), St. John's Wort, Ginseng, Garlic and Ginger.
Overdose: Severe bleeding is a major sign of Warfarin overdose or drug interaction which may result to hemoptysis (coughing up of blood), excessive bruising, bleeding from nose or gums, or blood in urine or stool. Immediate medical attention is needed once severe bleeding occurs.
Notes: Do not increase your consumption of food intake especially the ones rich in Vitamin K such as liver, green leafy vegetables, broccoli and cauliflower without doctor’s advise. Get away from strenuous activities.
Missed Dose: Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. But if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose. If you miss doses for 2 or more days, call your doctor immediately.
Important Note: Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your response to Warfarin. If you have an illness that causes vomiting, diarrhea, or fever for more than a few days, call your doctor.
Storage: Place Warfarin in a tight, light resistant container and store at room temperature, away from excess heat and moisture.
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