Before starting warfarin, you must know that
The drug may cause severe bleeding. Be sure to take the drug the right way and pay attention to the conditions listed in this article that you need to tell your doctor about.
There is an increased risk of serious side effects when combined with certain drugs. Be sure to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking.
When is it not safe to use the drug?
If you are allergic to warfarin or any of its ingredients (rare) if you have: spinal anesthesia, aneurysm, bleeding disorders; diverticulitis; excessive alcohol consumption, heart valve infection; liver disease, low platelet count, pericarditis, polyarthritis, poor diet, recent surgery on the eye or brain, high blood pressure, unsteadiness on your feet.
If you do not take your medication as prescribed by your doctor If you are pregnant or may become pregnant What does this medication do?
Warfarin alters the body’s blood clotting system, “thinning the blood” and reducing the formation of blood clots.
What is the best way to take this medication?
It is important to take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
Take it at the same time each day (or approximately the same time).
For maximum effectiveness, do not miss doses.
Do not change your normal eating habits. Try to keep the following foods consistent from day to day: green leafy vegetables (asparagus, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, lettuce, spinach), green tea, animal liver, and some vegetable oils. Too much variation in the consumption of these foods can affect the effects of the drug.
The diet plan should be based on your doctor’s recommendations.
If you experience stomach discomfort after taking the medication, take it with food.
What should I do if I miss a dose? (This does not apply to patients who are hospitalized.) As soon as you remember that you missed a dose, take it again.
When you remember that you missed a dose, it is very close to your next dose, so do not take it again and take it directly at your normal dosing time.
Do not take two doses at the same time. Do not change the dose or stop taking the drug. Talk to your doctor if necessary.
Precautions when taking this medication.
You may carry a card with you indicating your illness and the medication you are taking.
Avoid trauma.
You may bleed easily. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and an electric razor.
Tell your doctor if you have any of the following problems: frequent falls, bleeding disorders, high blood pressure, kidney disease, liver disease, thyroid disease, stomach ulcers, ulcers in the duodenal bulb or bleeding from the gastrointestinal tract, heart disease.
Have your blood tested frequently.
Make a list of all the medications you are taking (including those prescribed by your doctor, those you buy over-the-counter at the pharmacy, herbs, supplements, health supplements, etc.). Show this list to your doctor.
Do not donate blood while taking this medication and within 5 days of stopping it.
When you see your dentist, surgeon, and other doctors, tell them you are taking the drug.
Protect your teeth.
Tell your doctor before using medicines containing aspirin, painkillers, “blood boosters”, garlic, ginseng, ginkgo, supplements, nutraceuticals, or vitamins.
Try to avoid drinking alcohol.
For smokers, if you quit, please inform your doctor that the dose of the medication you are taking may need to be adjusted. (For your health, we strongly recommend that you quit smoking as soon as possible.) Avoid pregnancy while taking this medication.
If you are breastfeeding, please inform your doctor.
When do I need to call my doctor?
If you think you have taken too much medicine, go immediately to the emergency room of your local hospital or call your doctor.
When a serious adverse drug reaction occurs. This includes asthma; pressure in the chest; fever; itching; bad cough; bruising of the skin; seizures or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.
If you hit your head when you fall or bruise. Please go to the emergency room of your local hospital immediately, even if you are not unwell.
Painful swelling of the legs or arms, severe headache, severe back pain, severe abdominal pain, upset stomach or vomiting, black tarry stools or bloody stools, bleeding from the urinary tract, hemoptysis, vomiting blood, bleeding from contusions, heavy menstrual bleeding, skin that turns black or purple in color, feeling very tired or weak.
How do I store and/or dispose of these medications?
Store at room temperature.
Avoid moisture. Do not store in the bathroom or kitchen.
Store away from light.
Common Sense Medications If you have a severe allergy, carry proof of allergy status at all times.
Do not allow others to take your medication, and do not take anyone else’s medication.
Keep all medications out of the reach of children or pets.
Most medications can be mixed with coffee grounds or kitty litter, sealed in a plastic bag and disposed of in the trash at home. Make a list of all medications you take (prescriptions, herbs, supplements, supplements, vitamins and over-the-counter medications) and show the list to your doctor.
Call your doctor for help with any side effects.
Talk to your doctor before starting any new medications, including over-the-counter medications, herbs, supplements, health supplements, or vitamins.