Clotting of blood or presence of clots may hinder proper flow of bloodstream. Clots can reduce or fully block supply of blood to vital parts such as lungs, brain and kidneys. Doctors prescribe blood thinners to keep clots at bay. Active items present in blood thinning meds help avoid blood-related cells from binding with each. There are also some meds – known as antiplatelet drugs – that can delay clot formation. Widely administered blood thinning meds include heparin, warfarin, enoxaparin, etc. Do you know the difference between heparin and warfarin? It helps to know more.
Blood thinners are meds which are also termed as anticoagulant drugs. These drugs help avoid clotting of blood. Key ingredients in these drugs can extend the clotting time of your blood. Thus, these meds ensure freer flow of blood to all essential parts of your body. If left unattended, a clot can soon lead to a thrombotic problem. Those who have clots in blood are at a higher risk of witnessing cardiac problems, strokes, etc.
Intake of meds is part of the standard treatment plan to manage and treat clotting of blood. Warfarin and heparin are commonly prescribed drugs in this light. Newer drugs are recently introduced to lessen the complications linked to internal bleeding. Such newer meds are dabigatran, apixaban, rivaroxaban, etc. Your caregiving team prescribes the right med that suits your medical condition best.
In this milieu, what is warfarin?
Warfarin is chiefly taken to decrease risks of clotting of blood. It is also recommended for the treatment of clots that have already taken shape in your blood. Absence of proper medication plan can result in acute conditions like heart attack, strokes, etc. Active items present in warfarin inhibit formation of clots in blood. This med generally sold as an orally consumed tablet. You can procure warfarin with a valid prescription from a healthcare provider. It is unsafe to take it via OTC approach.
Then, what is heparin?
Heparin decreases the clotting capability of blood. It is prescribed for prevention as well as treatment of clots formed in blood. Essential ingredients of heparin help avoid already-formed clots from turning big and to prevent new clots from occurring. Its most popular form is an injectable version. Heparin is sold with a prescription from a certified caregiver.
Difference between heparin and warfarin
Warfarin helps to thin down your blood and prevents formation of clots. Heparin is known to inhibit your blood from clotting by reduction of clotting properties. Both these meds are used for conditions like deep vein thrombosis, heart failure, etc.
Another distinctive difference between heparin and warfarin rests in their half-life period. Heparin has a half-life of 3 hours while warfarin halves its concentration in 3 days’ time. Heparin bears a pregnancy rating of category C. It means risks to fetus are not entirely ruled out. Warfarin has a Category D rating, denoting positive evidences of potential threats.
Those who have a lower count of platelets must keep away from taking these drugs. As these meds may interact adversely with antiplatelet medicines and blood thinners like enoxaparin, talk to your treating doctor about your medication plans. If you have prior hypersensitivity to blood thinning meds or heparins, you are advised not to take either of these meds. Upon sensing allergies like swelling of oral parts, formation of hives, respiratory problems and passing out, stop taking these meds and consult with your caregiver.
Upon noticing one or more of these adverse side effects of heparin and warfarin, call 911 if you are in the US. You can also establish contact with helplines of food and drug administration. Those who are living in Canada are advised to call a local poison control unit or reach out to Health Canada.
Disclaimer
Information provided here are only of supplementary nature. Information shared here does not substitute a qualified doctor’s advice. This website is not suggesting intake of this drug as safe or appropriate. Hence it is advised to talk to your doctor before consuming this med or any other drug.
Education: Master’s in Public Health (MPH) from the University of Michigan. Experience: Over 8 years of experience writing for health and wellness websites, including WebMD and Healthline, specializing in women’s health and nutrition.