What is warfarin?
Warfarin is an anticoagulant remedy for a prescription that is taken to prevent blood clots. Warfarin can prevent the development of blood clots and reduce the risk that existing blood clots increase in blood vessels. Usually warfarin, or Coumadin®, as is otherwise known, prescribed for people with conditions such as irregular heart rhythm. In addition, patients with mechanical or spare cardiac valves are prescribed warfarin to prevent thrombosis. In addition, it is also recommended to prevent pulmonary embolism or blood clots in the lungs. Anticoagulants that function as blood thinners reduce the aggregation of plates in the blood. Although anticoagulants are very effective in the treatment of certain health conditions, they can also cause dangerous side effects or side effects. These risks are rare, but patients must be monitored during reception.
Sometimes warfarin or Coumadin® can cause life -threatening bleeding. It is important for the patient to inform a doctor, if he has any bleeding disorders. Abnormal bleeding related to anticoagulant therapy is more likely in patients over 65 years and during the first few weeks of treatment. The risk of bleeding is also predominant in patients participating in sports or activities that can cause serious injury.
Typically, warfarin therapy is considered safe, but can cause significant side effects. Patients are recommended to inform their doctor if they experience longer bleeding from cut, nosebleeds or blood in the urine. Similarly, if an individual experiences gingure bleeding, coughing into the blood or notices blood in the stool, a doctor should be announced. If bleeding is excessive and prolonged, patients need to look for emergency medical evaluation and treatment.
Most of the time, abnormal bleeding will represent as sincere blood, but anticoagulant therapy can cause occult bleeding. This type of hiddenBleeding can manifest itself in causeing anemia. Symptoms of anemia may include paleness, fatigue and fast heart rate. Symptoms of anemia must be reported by doctors at the same time, as well as the presence of unusual bruises and small, certain red spots that appear under the skin. Blue and certain places may mean internal bleeding.
In general, the side effects of blood thinners are mild and can be treated effectively by treating drugs and dietary changes. Patients should avoid green leafy vegetables, which often contain excessive vitamin K because they may contribute to an increased risk of undesirable warfarin responses. The physician regularly orders blood tests to make sure that the patient's blood is sufficiently colliding. Sometimes, if the patient cannot of the tolerance of anticoagulant therapy on prescription, the doctor may prescribe over -the -counter aspirin, which is also an effective anticoagulant.