Generic Warfarin

Chemical Name: WARFARIN

Common uses

This medicine is an anticoagulant used to prevent blood clots from moving or forming. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Before using

Additional monitoring of your dose or condition may be needed if you are taking aminoglutethimide, amiodarone, antibiotics, capecitabine, celecoxib, cimetidine, cisapride, disulfiram, dong quai, gingko biloba, ginseng, ethacrynic acid, fluconazole, furosemide, ginseng, griseofulvin, male hormones, mesalamine, metronidazole, miconazole, moricizine, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (nsaids), omeprazole, quinine, quinidine, rifampin, rofecoxib, saquinavir, sulfinpyrazone, terbinafine, troglitazone, vitamin k, danshen, or medicine for cancer, seizures, sleep problems, high cholesterol, or thyroid conditions. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions including kidney disease, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding.

Use of this medicine is not recommended if you have a history of severe, untreated high blood pressure; heart conditions; or blood or bleeding disorders. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about taking this medicine.

Directions

Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. It is important to take this medicine at the same time every day. Carefully check your dose every day to be sure you are taking the correct dose.

Store this medicine at room temperature in a tightly-closed container, away from heat and light. If you miss a dose of this medicine and you are taking 1 dose daily, take the missed dose if you remember the same day. Skip the missed dose if you do not remember until the next day. Do not take 2 doses at once. Keep an accurate written record of your doses and give your doctor a list of any doses you miss.

Cautions

Keep all doctor and laboratory appointments while you are using this medicine. If you become ill, including a fever, contact your doctor. Do not take aspirin without discussing it with your doctor. Before you have any medical or dental treatments, emergency care, or surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are using this medicine.

Do not change your eating habits, alcohol consumption, or activity level without checking with your doctor. A change in your diet, alcohol consumption, or activity level could lead to a change in the effects of your medicine. Foods that may change the effect of this medicine are those high in vitamin k, such as liver and green, leafy vegetables (lettuce, broccoli, cabbage, spinach, kale, collard greens). Avoid any sports that expose you to risk of serious injury. Before switching brands of this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Do not begin taking or stop taking any medicine, either prescription or over-the-counter, without checking with your doctor. This includes vitamins, food supplements, and non-prescription medicines such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or cold medicines. For women: do not use this medicine if you are pregnant. If you suspect that you could be pregnant, contact your doctor immediately.

Possible side effects

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if you experience pain, swelling, or unusual discomfort; nosebleeds; excessive bleeding from cuts; bleeding from gums when brushing teeth; increased menstrual bleeding; unexplained vaginal bleeding; unusual bruising; discoloration of urine or stool; black tarry stools; or any signs of illness. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

If you take too much

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include bleeding, fast heartbeat, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea, and discoloration of urine or stools.

Additional information

Carry an identification card at all times that says you are taking this medication. Do not share this medicine with others for whom it was not prescribed. Do not use this medicine for other health conditions. Keep this medicine out of the reach of children. If using this medicine for an extended period of time, obtain refills before your supply runs out

Drug interactions

Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. Inform your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking.