Be Safe While on Warfarin
Warfarin is a drug that is prescribed for thinning the blood. This particular anticoagulant was initially created for pesticide use to kill mice and rats. From there testing began, and it was found to be able to help thin the blood and reduce the chances of blood clots in patients who were at risk of blood clots. Taking this drug allows people who have thrombosis or risk of aneurism to be at lower risk. This drug is one of the most commonly prescribed blood thinners in North America today. Like all drugs warfarin has certain side effects that can be normal or sometimes severe.
Common Side Effects
Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, as well as a loss of appetite, these are all fairly common. Other somewhat popular warfarin side effects include bruising. Many people who take the drug will find that they will barely bump their arm or other body part and will bruise easily. If the bruising is severe make sure that you see your doctor as soon as possible.
Another fairly common symptom of Warfarin usage is the purple toe syndrome. Purple toe syndrome attacks the toe, usually the big toe and turns it purple. This syndrome can be extremely painful and can lead to a person having to stop taking the drug alltogether.
Severe Side Effects
Warfarin as with many other drugs can have severe side effects that would require immediate medical attention. The main severe side effect that can occur with warfarin is severe bleeding. If you are on the drug, and you start to have bleeding that cannot be stopped or controlled you would need to call 911, get to the emergency room or urgent care center as soon as possible. A hemorrhage while rare can lead to death or severe medical problems. A hemorrhage may occur at any part of your body. Where an injury occurs, a nose bleed, or a heavy menstrual period may be experienced.
You may also cough up blood, and if you do this you will need to get to the hospital immediately. Warfarin can also cause an allergic reaction in some people, which would include swelling of the throat, hands or face, rash as well as trouble breathing. If you suspect that you are having an allergic reaction call 911 or emergency services immediately. While allergic reactions are very rare, you still are at a slight risk and must make sure that you are safe while taking this drug.
Warfarin Necrosis
Another side effect of taking this drug is something known as Warfarin necrosis. This condition is directly related to Warfarin usage and while rare , it does happen to some people.
The blood coagulates, which leads to massive blood clots with gangrene and skin death in the limbs. This condition can cause loss of limbs and severe infections, even death if it is not treated properly.
Osteoporosis
Another severe side effect of Warfarin is Osteoporosis. Osteoporosis leads to a decrease in bone density which in turn creates brittle easy to break bones. Your doctor will monitor you for any signs of Osteoporosis, but it is more likely that you will not get this condition as a result of taking warfarin.
Interactions with Other Drugs and Supplements
These side effects can also be worsened or increased if you take drugs that interfere with warfarin. There are several drugs and supplements that will interact with this drug. Several drugs that warfarin interacts with are antibiotics, thyroid medications, aspirin, and several other heart medications. Excessive use of Alcohol can also interact with Warfarin. Alcohol can increase the metabolism of the drug making it work too much causing serious problems. Warfarin is also affected by certain spices and herbs. Ginger, garlic, ginseng, St John’s Wart, starflower oil, fish oil and, aspirin can all interact with warfarin causing increased bruising and bleeding risk. There are also some studies that link drinking cranberry juice and grapefruit juice also increase the chances of bleeding but this study is still in the researching stage and has not been verified as of yet.
Before you begin the treatment program your doctor will begin with a blood work and other tests to make sure that it is the most suitable blood-thinning solution in your case. Before taking warfarin you will be asked many questions including family history and your history as well. Based on this information your doctor will choose whether or not to put you on warfarin. If your doctor decided to go through with it, he or she will more than likely give you the smallest dose possible at first and then go from there. Your doctor will monitor your blood to see how your body reacts to the drug. If you have severe symptoms, your doctor will take you off of warfarin and try a different drug. If you have only common symptoms or bleeding, your doctor may try a different dosage. It may take several weeks to find the dose that works right for you. Make sure that you keep a log of any symptoms that you may have experienced and call your doctor upon any changes.
Getting put on warfarin can help protect you from many different problems. If you are at risk of blood clots, this medication can help keep you safe. A blood clot that goes into your heart or into your lungs can kill you almost immediately. If your doctor prescribes warfarin to you, make sure that you discuss with him your concerns about the medication and make sure that you do all your research.Making sure that you know all the information out there before you start taking this drug will allow you to be sure that you are safe, and that you will continue to be healthy while taking the drug. Warfarin can help save your life but in some cases the risk of posed by its side effects can be great and life threatening if not properly monitored. Make sure that you are well informed before and after you start taking your medication.
