Warfarin Information
Warfarin Sodium
Aldocumar
Why is this medication prescribed?
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. It works by stopping the formation of substances that
cause clots.
This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or
pharmacist for more information.
How should this medicine be used?
Warfarin comes as a tablet to take by mouth.
It usually is taken once a 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.
Continue to take warfarin even if you feel
well. Do not stop taking warfarin without talking to your doctor.
Other uses for this medicine
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.
What special precautions should I follow?
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 and other non-steroidal antiiflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen
(Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn); cimetidine (Tagamet);
medications for cancer, depression, diabetes, digestive problems, epilepsy,
gout, high cholesterol, and thyroid problems; 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 and pharmacist what herbal products you are taking,
especially bromelains, coenzyme Q10, danshen, dong quai, garlic, Ginkgo
biloba, and St. John's wort. Do not start taking any herbal products 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.
What special dietary instructions should I follow?
Do not increase your consumption of foods containing vitamin K, such as
liver, green leafy vegetables, broccoli, and cauliflower, without discussing
your diet with your doctor.
What should I do if I forget a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember
it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose
and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make
up for a missed one. Record the date of the missed dose and tell your doctor
at your next visit, since missing a dose of warfarin may alter your blood
clotting tests. If you miss doses for 2 or more days, call your doctor
immediately.
What side effects can this medication cause?
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
What storage conditions are needed for this medicine?
Keep this medication in the container it came
in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room
temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).
Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your
pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
In case of emergency/overdose
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at
1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local
emergency services at 911.
What other information should I know?
Keep all appointments with your doctor and
the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your
response to warfarin.
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 that have a
high risk of causing injury. Call your doctor if bleeding is unusual.
Carry an identification card or wear a
bracelet that indicates that you take warfarin. Ask your pharmacist or
doctor how to obtain this card or bracelet. List your name, medical
problems, drugs and dosages, and doctor's name and telephone number on the
card. Tell any doctor or dentist that you visit that you are taking
warfarin.
If you have an illness that causes vomiting,
diarrhea, or fever for more than a few days, call your doctor. These
problems can change the effectiveness of warfarin.
Do not let anyone else take your medication.
Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your
prescription.
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