USES: This medication is a blood thinner
used to keep blood flowing smoothly and prevent the formation of blood clots.
HOW TO TAKE THIS MEDICATION: Take this
exactly as prescribed. Try to take this medication at the same time each day so you
remember to take it.Your dose may be adjusted several times based on lab tests. Do not
stop taking this without your doctor's approval.
SIDE EFFECTS: Loss of appetite, nausea,
diarrhea or blurred vision may occur at first as your body adjusts to the medication.
Inform your doctor if you experience unusual bleeding or bruising, blood in the urine,
black stools or severe headache. May cause urine to turn orange-red in color. This is not
harmful and will disappear when the medication is stopped.
In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek medical
attention immediately. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling,
dizziness or trouble breathing.
PRECAUTIONS: Before using this drug tell
your doctor your medical history especially of ulcers, unusual menstrual periods,
diabetes, liver or kidney disease, high blood pressure, arthritis, thyroid problems, all
recent infections, if you have had recent surgery and of drug and food allergies.
The FDA has stated that certain generic warfarin products are interchangeable. However,
consult your doctor and pharmacist before switching warfarin products.
Do not stop taking any medications that you are currently taking unless directed to do
so by your doctor.
If you have an illness that causes vomiting, diarrhea, or fever for more than a few
days, contact your doctor as these problems can change the effect of this drug.
Limit your consumption of alcoholic beverages. Ask your doctor how much, if any,
alcohol you may consume.
In the event of an accidental overdose of this drug, contact your doctor, poison
control center, or nearest hospital emergency department immediately.
When receiving warfarin, avoid sudden changes in dietary habits. Avoid ingesting
unusual increases or decreases of foods high in Vitamin K (liver, broccoli, cauliflower,
cabbage, kale, spinach and other green leafy vegetables, green tea, certain vegetables,
cheeses and certain vitamin supplements). It is best to avoid strictly vegetarian diets
that consist of foods high in vitamin K.
While taking this medication, be extra careful to avoid injuries. This medication can
cause heavy bleeding. Use an electric razor and be careful brushing your teeth.
Warfarin should not be used during pregnancy. If you become pregnant or think you may
be pregnant, inform your doctor immediately.
This drug is excreted into breast milk. While to date, no problems have been noted in
nursing infants, consult your doctor before you breast-feed.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Many drugs interact
with this medication. Before using this drug tell your doctor of all prescription and
nonprescription drugs you may use especially any of the following: aspirin or aspirin-like
drugs, anabolic steroids, barbiturates, clofibrate, phenylbutazone, disulfiram,
cimetidine, sulfa-drugs, metronidazole, vitamin E, cholestyramine, phenytoin,
erythromycin-like antibiotics, propylthiouracil, injectable antibiotics, griseofulvin,
ethchlorvynol, quinidine, quinine, thyroid drugs, allopurinol, glucagon, rifamycins,
glutethimide, aminoglutethimide, chloramphenicol, carbamazepine, vitamin K (or its
derivatives), dextrothyroxine, anti-inflammatory medication used for arthritis or fever
reduction, penicillin-type drugs, amiodarone, omeprazole, sulfinpyrazone, chloral hydrate,
"statin" drugs (e.g., lovastatin), propranolol, tamoxifen, quinolone antibiotics
(e.g., ciprofloxacin), SSRI antidepressants (e.g., fluoxetine), gemfibrozil or azole
antifungals (e.g., fluconazole)
It is important that all doctors and dentists treating you know you take warfarin.
This drug may interfere with the effectiveness of birth control pills. Discuss using
other methods of birth control with your doctor.
NOTES: Do not share this medication with
others.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, take as
soon as remembered; do not take if it is almost time for the next dose, instead, skip the
missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose
to catch up. Keep a record of missed doses to give to your doctor. Call your doctor if you
miss 2 or more doses.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature
between 59 and 86 degrees F (between 15 and 30 degrees C) away from moisture and sunlight.
Do not store in the bathroom.
Pulmonary
- Critical Care Associates
