There's no firm evidence to suggest that taking warfarin will reduce fertility in either men or women. But it's not suitable for women who are pregnant or trying to get pregnant. This is because it may harm the baby. It's thought that cannabis can affect your blood tests and increase your risk of serious bleeding. It's not clear how other recreational drugs like cocaine and heroin affect warfarin.
They could be potentially dangerous. Tell your doctor if you think you may take recreational drugs while you're on warfarin. Warfarin does not affect your concentration, so you can drive or ride a bike while you're taking it. You can reduce your risk of having a blood clot by making changes to your lifestyle, such as:. Page last reviewed: 12 April Next review due: 12 April Warfarin On this page About warfarin Key facts Who can and can't take warfarin How and when to take it Bleeding and what to do about it Other side effects How to cope with side effects Advice about food and drink Pregnancy and breastfeeding Cautions with other medicines Common questions.
About warfarin Warfarin is a type of medicine known as an anticoagulant, or blood thinner. Warfarin is used to treat people who have had a previous blood clot, such as: a blood clot in the leg deep vein thrombosis, or DVT a blood clot in the lungs pulmonary embolism It's also used to prevent blood clots if you're at high risk of having them in the future. This includes people with: an abnormal heartbeat atrial fibrillation a replacement or mechanical heart valve a blood clotting disorder, such as thrombophilia a higher chance of having a blood clot after an operation Warfarin is only available on prescription.
NHS coronavirus advice When taking warfarin, you need to have regular blood tests. Updated: 15 October Help us improve our website Can you answer a quick question about your visit today?
It's usual to take warfarin once a day, normally in the evening. The main side effect of warfarin is bleeding more easily than normal, such as having nosebleeds, bleeding gums, heavier periods and bruising. This is most likely to happen in the first few weeks of treatment or if you're unwell. You need to have blood tests at least every 12 weeks while you're taking warfarin to make sure your dose is right.
Expect your warfarin dose to go up or down. This is normal. The dose can depend on lots of different things, including what you eat and drink, what other medicines you're taking, and if you become unwell.
Always carry your anticoagulant alert card with you. Show it to your doctor or dentist before you have any medical or dental procedures, including vaccinations and routine appointments with the dental hygienist. Warfarin can be taken by adults and children.
Warfarin is not suitable for some people. Tell your doctor if you: have had an allergic reaction to warfarin or any other medicines in the past are trying to get pregnant or you're already pregnant - warfarin can be harmful to the baby have liver or kidney problems have had an infection of the lining of your heart known as endocarditis have a health problem that causes bleeding such as a stomach ulcer or makes you bruise easily have high blood pressure are taking the herbal remedy St John's wort for depression.
Dosage and strength The usual warfarin dose is 10mg a day for the first 2 days, then between 3mg and 9mg a day after that. The strengths and colours are: 0. How to take it It's very important to take warfarin as your doctor advises.
How long to take it for If you have had a blood clot in your leg or lungs, you'll probably take a short course of warfarin for 6 weeks to 6 months. Will my dose go up and down? Why do I have blood tests? The yellow book and alert card When you start taking warfarin, you may be given a yellow book about anticoagulants. Example of front of anticoagulant alert card. Example of back of anticoagulant alert card. What if I forget to take it? It's important to try to remember to take your warfarin on time.
If you miss a dose of warfarin, write it down in your yellow book. Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Never take more than 1 dose a day. If you often forget doses, it may help to set an alarm to remind you. If you're worried, contact your anticoagulant clinic or doctor. What if I take too much? You may need to change your next dose of warfarin or have a blood test.
Less serious bleeding It's usual to bleed more easily than normal while you're taking warfarin. The kind of bleeding you might have includes: periods that are heavier and last longer than normal bleeding for a little longer than usual if you cut yourself occasional nosebleeds that last for less than 10 minutes bleeding from your gums when you brush your teeth bruises that come up more easily and take longer to fade than usual This type of bleeding is not dangerous and should stop by itself.
Things you can do to help yourself Cuts press on the cut for 10 minutes with a clean cloth. Nosebleeds — find out how to stop a nosebleed or watch this video on nosebleeds. Bleeding gums — if your gums are bleeding, try using a soft toothbrush and waxed dental floss to clean your teeth. Bruises — these are harmless, but can be unsightly. It might help to make them fade more quickly if you put an ice pack wrapped in a towel over the bruise for 10 minutes at a time several times a day.
What you can do to prevent bleeding While you're taking warfarin, be careful when you do activities that might cause an injury or a cut or bruising. It can help to: stop playing contact sports or other activities than can cause a head injury, such as football, rugby, hockey and horse riding wear gloves when you use sharp objects like scissors, knives and gardening tools stop wet shaving or removing hair with wax - use an electric razor or hair-removing cream instead take false teeth dentures or retainers out for a few hours a day, if you wear them, to give your gums a rest — do not wear dentures or retainers that do not fit properly tell your doctor, dentist or nurse that you take warfarin ahead of having any medical or dental procedures or surgery - that includes vaccinations and routine appointments with the dental hygienist Serious bleeding Occasionally, you can have serious bleeding from taking warfarin.
This can be dangerous and needs urgent medical attention. You should take a daily multivitamin if you use orlistat. These medicines stimulate your brain.
This means they will make you more alert. They also make you less interested in food. Some of these stimulants are approved for treating obesity. The average weight loss while taking these medicines is about 5.
Most people regain the weight after they stop taking the medicine, unless they have made lasting lifestyle changes. Phentermine is the most commonly prescribed of these medicines.
It costs less than orlistat. But like orlistat, its effects do not last long. Click here to read the FAQ. How to order by mail: We are happy to accept personal checks drawn on a US bank for delivery within the United States only. Download the form to order by mail.
We regret that we are unable to process orders by phone or ship printed books outside the United States. Find out the exact amount of Vitamin K in micrograms of almost a thousand common foods! Listed both alphabetically and then in order of the amount of Vitamin K in the food, this list will help you know exactly how much Vitamin K you're eating. Get your copy now! It's easy to get answers about health and nutrition!
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A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. See more conditions. Warfarin side effects: Watch for interactions. Products and services. Warfarin side effects: Watch for interactions Although commonly used to treat blood clots, warfarin Jantoven can have dangerous side effects and put you at risk of heavy bleeding.
By Mayo Clinic Staff. Thank you for Subscribing Our Housecall e-newsletter will keep you up-to-date on the latest health information. Please try again. Something went wrong on our side, please try again. Show references Warfarin: Drug information. Accessed Jan. Hull RD, et al. Warfarin and other VKAs: Dosing and adverse effects. Accessed May 11, Jameson JL, et al. Antiplatelet, anticoagulant, and fibrinolytic drugs. In: Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. The McGraw-Hill Companies;
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