Warfarin (WAR-far-in)

Treats or prevents blood clots. This medicine is a blood thinner (anticoagulant).

Brand Name(s):

Coumadin, Jantoven, Warfarin

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet

• Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Your dose may need to be changed several times in order to find out what works best for you. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• You may take this medicine with or without food.

If a dose is missed:

• If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any leftover medicine after you have finished your treatment. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.
• Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• There are many other medicines, including nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines and herbal products, that you should not use while you are taking warfarin. Make sure your doctor knows about ALL other medicines you are using.
• Carefully follow your doctor's instructions about any special diet. This medicine works best when you eat about the same amount of vitamin K in your food every day. Avoid big changes in how much vitamin K you eat. Some foods that have a high amount of vitamin K are broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, and green leafy vegetables such as spinach and salad greens.
• You should avoid drinking cranberry juice or any other cranberry products.
• Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Using this medicine while you are pregnant can harm your unborn baby. Use an effective form of birth control to keep from getting pregnant. If you think you have become pregnant while using the medicine, tell your doctor right away.
• Make sure your doctor knows if you are breastfeeding, or if you have liver disease, kidney disease, congestive heart failure, high blood pressure, diabetes, any type of infection, or any other medical problems. Also tell your doctor if you have recently had a fall or other injury.
• You may bleed more easily while you are using this medicine. Stay away from rough sports or other situations where you could be bruised, cut, or injured. Brush and floss your teeth gently. Be careful when using sharp objects, including razors and fingernail clippers. Avoid picking your nose. If you need to blow your nose, blow it gently.
• Carry an ID card or wear a medical alert bracelet to let any emergency caregivers know that you are using warfarin.
• Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using this medicine. You may need to stop using this medicine several days before having surgery or medical tests.
• Your doctor will need to check your blood at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
• Bleeding from your gums or nose, bruising easily, or coughing up blood.
• Decrease in how much or how often you urinate.
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing.
• Dizziness or lightheadedness.
• Fever, chills, sore throat, or cough.
• Heavy menstrual bleeding, or bleeding from cuts or wounds that does not stop.
• Purple discoloration of your toes or the soles of your feet.
• Red or dark brown urine, or red or black stools.
• Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet.
• Vomiting of blood or material that looks like coffee grounds.
• Yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Headache or body pains.
• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or upset stomach.