Warfarin 5mg

Warfarin 5mg — Uses and Benefits

Warfarin is used to prevent and treat conditions caused by unwanted blood clot formation in the body.

WHAT THIS MEDICINE IS USED FOR

• Preventing blood clots in people with atrial fibrillation (irregular heartbeat)
• Preventing clots in people with artificial heart valves
• Treating deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
• Treating or preventing pulmonary embolism (clot in the lungs)
• Reducing risk of stroke in certain heart conditions

HOW IT WORKS

• Warfarin blocks the action of vitamin K, which is needed to make certain clotting factors
• This slows down the blood's ability to form clots
• It does not dissolve existing clots but prevents new ones and stops existing clots from growing

WHAT IT IS NOT USED FOR

• It is not a painkiller
• It is not used for immediate emergency clot dissolving (that needs different injectable medicines)
• It is not used to treat infections or inflammation
• It should not be used without regular blood monitoring (INR testing)

How to Use Warfarin 5mg

HOW TO TAKE IT

• Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor, usually once a day at the same time
• Can be taken with or without food, but be consistent with your routine
• Do not change your dose on your own, even if you feel fine
• Regular blood tests (INR) are needed to check how well the medicine is working
• Avoid sudden large changes in diet, especially green leafy vegetables, as they affect the medicine's action
• Limit alcohol intake, as it can affect how the medicine works

IF YOU MISS A DOSE

• Take it as soon as you remember on the same day
• If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue as usual
• Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one
• Inform your doctor if you miss doses frequently, as this affects monitoring

STORAGE

• Store at room temperature, away from direct heat and sunlight
• Keep in original packaging, away from moisture
• Keep out of reach of children and pets
• Do not use expired medicine

Warfarin 5mg — Side Effects

COMMON SIDE EFFECTS

• Easy bruising
• Minor bleeding from gums while brushing
• Nosebleeds
• Feeling cold or having chills

LESS COMMON SIDE EFFECTS

• Hair thinning or hair loss
• Skin rash or itching
• Diarrhoea or nausea
• Loss of appetite

SERIOUS SIDE EFFECTS — STOP AND SEE A DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY

• Blood in urine or stools (red or black stools)
• Vomiting blood or coughing blood
• Severe headache, confusion, or weakness on one side of body (signs of bleeding in brain)
• Unusual or heavy bleeding that does not stop
• Purple, painful skin patches (rare skin necrosis)
• Swelling of face, lips, or difficulty breathing (allergic reaction)
• Severe abdominal pain

This is not a complete list. Report any unusual or persistent symptom to your doctor or pharmacist.

Warfarin 5mg — Safety Information and Precautions

This medicine is available only with a valid doctor's prescription in India.

DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE IF YOU

• Are pregnant or planning pregnancy (can harm the baby)
• Have active or recent serious bleeding
• Have severe liver or kidney disease, as advised by your doctor
• Are allergic to warfarin or any of its ingredients
• Have uncontrolled high blood pressure

TELL YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE STARTING IF YOU

• Have a history of bleeding disorders
• Have recently had surgery or dental work planned
• Drink alcohol regularly
• Have liver or kidney problems
• Are breastfeeding
• Take any herbal supplements or vitamin K products

MEDICINES THAT CAN INTERACT

• Aspirin and other painkillers like ibuprofen
• Antibiotics such as some commonly prescribed ones
• Antifungal medicines
• Other blood thinners
• Vitamin K supplements
• Certain herbal products like ginkgo, garlic, or ginseng supplements

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I stop warfarin suddenly if I feel better?

No, stopping suddenly can increase risk of clotting; always consult your doctor before stopping.

Why do I need frequent blood tests?

Blood tests (INR) help your doctor adjust the dose so it works safely without causing bleeding.

Can I eat green vegetables while on this medicine?

• Yes, but keep your intake consistent rather than changing amounts suddenly, as they contain vitamin K which affects the medicine.
• Doctor ya pharmacist se salah lein.