What is Warfarin used for?
Warfarin is an anticoagulant or a blood thinner that helps prevent/treat the formation of blood clots in your blood. Reducing the amount of certain substances in your blood helps smooth the flow of blood in your body. This medicine is used in the treatment of blood clots in the lungs, heart, veins, and arteries. This medicine may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.
What are the side effects of Warfarin?
Like other medicines, Warfarin can cause some side effects. If they do occur, the side effects of Warfarin are most likely to be minor and temporary. However, some may be serious and may require the individual to inform the doctor or visit the nearest hospital immediately.
It is pertinent to note that the side effects of Warfarin cannot be anticipated. If any side effects of Warfarin develop or change in intensity, the doctor should be informed as soon as possible.
Warfarin can cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, hair loss, gas, bloating, and stomach pain. This is not a complete list of all side effects. Do concur with your doctor and follow his directions completely when you are taking Warfarin.
What is the recommended dosage of Warfarin?
The dosage of Warfarin prescribed to each patient will vary. Always follow your physician’s instructions and/or the directions on the prescription drug label.
Warfarin can be taken with or without food.
What if you miss a dose of Warfarin?
If your physician has instructed or directed you to take Warfarin medication on a regular schedule and you have missed a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, then skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the doses unless otherwise directed.
What if you overdose on Warfarin?
Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose of Warfarin, seek medical attention immediately.
What other drugs could interact with Warfarin?
- Acetaminophen
- Alcohol
- Allopurinol
- Aminosalicylic acid
- Amiodarone
- Aminoglutethimide
- Chloramphenicol
- Chlorpropamide
- Propranolol
- Propylthiouracil
- Quinidine
- Quinine
It may be noted that drugs other than those listed above may also interact with Warfarin.
Usually, drug interactions occur when it is taken with another drug or with food. Before you take a medication for a particular ailment, you should inform the health expert about the intake of any other medications including non-prescription medications, over-the-counter medicines that may increase the effect of Warfarin, and dietary supplements like vitamins, minerals, and herbal, so that the doctor can warn you of any possible drug interactions.
Warfarin can interact with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and anti-cancer medications.
Do let your doctor know if you smoke, consume alcohol or caffeinated drinks, or use illegal drugs as these may interfere with the action of your medication. Make sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions you may have, or any family history of medical problems. Do not start or stop using any medicine without consulting your doctor.
What are the questions to ask your doctor before taking Warfarin?
Is it possible for me to take Warfarin with other drugs?
Should certain beverages, foods, and other products be avoided when I take Warfarin?
What are the possible drug interactions of Warfarin?
How will Warfarin work in my body?
How should Warfarin be taken?
How to reduce the risk of Warfarin drug interactions and side effects?
What are the best alternatives to Warfarin?
There are some newer anticoagulation drugs which are called dabigatran, rivaroxaban, and apixaban. These do not need monitoring or dose adjustment and they are as effective as warfarin or Warfarin alternative at preventing blood clots.
What is the best antidote for Warfarin?
To reverse the effects of Warfarin over-the-counter medicine, vitamin K1 can be given. Immediate reversal is achieved with a prothrombin complex concentrate (PCC) and fresh frozen plasma (FFP). Vitamin K1 is needed for sustaining the reversal achieved by PCC and FFP.
Where can I buy Warfarin over the counter?
Warfarin over-the-counter medicines or doses are prescribed individually, it needs a doctor’s signature for each one. Thus, Warfarin over the counter is not available.
Can I buy Warfarin without a prescription?
The most commonly prescribed anticoagulant is Warfarin without prescription. Newer types of anticoagulants are also available and are becoming increasingly common.
Note
The health and medical information provided here is intended to supplement and not substitute for the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It should not be understood to indicate that the use of Warfarin is safe, appropriate or effective for you. Always consult your health care professional before using this or any other drug.