Warfarin Side Effects
Warfarin may cause
serious side effects, such as:
- Excessive bleeding, which is potentially life-threatening, and is characterized by vomiting blood, nosebleeds, bleeding gums after brushing your teeth, red or black stool, blood in urine, unusual bruising, cuts that will not stop bleeding, excessive menstrual bleeding, unexpected vaginal bleeding, unusual pain or swelling, headache, dizziness or weakness.
- skin necrosis, also known as death of the skin tissue, which exhibits symptoms such as pain, color change, or temperature change to a specific area of the body
- increased risk for bone fracture
- purple toe syndrome, which can be painful and cause toes to turn blue or purple in color
Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of these serious side effects.
Warfarin may also cause more
common side effects, such as:
- bruising more easily
- hair loss, which is infrequent and can be reversed
- nausea
- paleness
- loss of appetite
Warnings & Recalls for Warfarin
Warfarin has received a boxed warning for its increased risk for severe bleeding. Patients should avoid any sports or contact activities that put them at an increased risk for injury, as this condition can be potentially life-threatening.
Warfarin should not be taken by those who are pregnant or trying to become pregnant, as this medication can cause serious harm to an unborn baby.
Do not take more than your prescribed dose of Warfarin, or multiple medications that may contain Warfarin, as this can increase your risk for experiencing serious side effects.
Patients who are going to undergo surgery, dental surgery, taking herbal supplements, or are receiving a vaccination should consult their doctor before taking this medication.
Warfarin Treatment and Use
Warfarin is a generic medication known as an anticoagulant, which is prescribed to patients who suffer from blood clots, or from conditions which can lead to an increased risk for the formation of blood clots.
What is an Anticoagulant?
An anticoagulant is a medication that inhibits the production of certain proteins in the blood, known as blood clotting proteins, that can lead to the formation of blood clots. This prevents veins from being obstructed, and enables smoother blood flow.
Warfarin Indications and Uses
Warfarin is indicated for use in the following conditions:
- Prevention and treatment of blood clots, particularly clots that form in veins deep in the body and are characteristic of the condition known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
- Prevention and treatment of blood clot in the lung, known as pulmonary embolism.
- Prevention of the occurrence of clots in patients who have received heart valve replacements, or suffer from irregular heartbeat.
Warfarin has also been used to prevent the recurrence of heart attack and other conditions which can be cause by blood clots, such as stroke or systemic embolism.
Warfarin Dosage and Diet
Warfarin is an individualized dosage medication, meaning that each patients receives an individualized prescription based on their needs and response to the medication.
While taking Warfarin, patients must be cautious of certain foods and beverages (especially those that contain high levels of vitamin K) that can interact with the effectiveness of this medication, such as:
- spinach
- brocolli or cauliflower
- cabbage
- spinach
- collard greens, turnip greens, or mustard greens
- kale
- brussels sprouts
- endive or escarole
- cranberry or grapefruit juice
Other Names for Warfarin
Brand Name:
Generic:
Lawsuits & Legal Information for Warfarin
Author:
Lainee Hooks
Posted on Jun 23, 2012