ANTICOAGULATION CLINICS
What is warfarin?
Warfarin medication is commonly used to prevent blood clotting. It reduces the risk of the formation of blood clots. Blood clots can break off and lodge themselves in a main vessel. This can cause a loss of consciousness or even a stroke, or other problems such as blockage of arteries to the lungs (pulmonary emboli). Patients with atrial fibrillation (irregular heart beat) or prosthetic heart valves may have to take warfarin for many years, if not life-long.
Warfarin may also be used to treat deep vein thrombosis over approximately six months and can be used to prevent venous thrombosis after hip operations. Warfarin takes 36-48 hours to become effective, although if a rapid action is required, injections of heparin are given.
Taking warfarin with other medication
Care must be taken when other medication is taken as well as warfarin, because many drugs either heighten or diminish the effects of warfarin. In particular, aspirin should be taken only if approved by a doctor. Other drugs that affect warfarin control include allopurinol, amiodarone, and anabolic steroids, many of the antibiotics, gemfibrozil, oral contraceptives, sulphinpyrazone, sulphonamides, thyroxine and quinidine. Always check with your clinic before starting any new drugs.
Dosage
The dosage of warfarin must be adjusted in relation to the results of your blood test - the prothrombin time or INR (International Normalised Ratio). The INR suitable for each patient varies according to the individual's condition and the treatment being received, but is usually in the range of 2 - 3.5. It is very important to attend anticoagulation clinics regularly to ensure that your blood is not too thin or thick. The frequency of the clinic will depend on whether or not there are changes in your blood or medication.
Side-effects
Bleeding is the main side effect associated with taking warfarin. This may occur in the form of bruising, nose bleeds or blood in the stools or urine. You should contact your clinic if any of these complications occur.
Clinics are held at both Arbroath House and William Brown Centre.
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