Warfarin Sodium

Warfarin Sodium is an anticoagulant medication used to prevent harmful blood clots from forming or growing larger. This is given if you have:

• Pulmonary embolism (a blood clot in your lungs)
• Deep vein thrombosis (a blood clot elsewhere in your body)

Preventing harmful blood clots helps to reduce the risk of a heart attack or stroke. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has already approved this prescription.

The development of a clot in the body is a complex procedure that includes various substances. Warfarin Sodium lessens the ability of the body to form blood clots. It is by hindering the development of vitamin K-dependent clotting factors. Vitamin K is required to create clotting factors and avoid bleeding. Therefore, by giving this medication, your body may stop harmful clots. This may also help you prevent clots from getting larger.

The process of blood clotting is complex. It begins when blood platelets clump together and create chemicals that activate clotting factors in the blood. Clotting factors are proteins that are made by the liver. Vitamin K is essential for their production. The activated clotting factors cause a protein called fibrinogen to be converted into another called fibrin. Fibrin binds the platelets together, forming a blood clot.

When and How to Use Warfarin Sodium

The dosage is based on your condition and response to the treatment. Your doctor will monitor you while taking this medication to determine the right dose for you.

This prescription is to be taken by mouth usually once a day. You may take each dose with or without a meal. Don’t forget to take it at the same time every day. You must take it exactly as it is prescribed.

It is important to eat a balanced and consistent diet while taking this drug. Some foods can affect how it works in your body and may affect your treatment and dose. Avoid sudden large increases or decreases in your intake of foods high in vitamin K. If you are trying to lose weight, check with your doctor before you try to go on a diet.

Possible Side Effects of Warfarin Sodium

Common side effects:

• Dizziness
• Vomiting
• Nausea
• Stomach or abdominal pain
• Numbness
• Loss of appetite
• Gas
• Headache
• Bloating
• Changes in the sense of taste
• Weakness
• Pale skin

Call your doctor right away if you have any signs of bleeding such as:

• Bleeding from wounds or needle injections that will not stop
• Feeling very weak or dizzy
• Sudden headache
• Heavy menstrual periods or abnormal vaginal bleeding
• Swelling or unusual bruising
• Bleeding gums or nosebleeds
• Bloody or tarry stools
• Blood in your urine
• Coughing up blood that appears to be like coffee grounds

Get medical help at once if you have:

• Pain
• Swelling
• A hot or cold feeling
• Skin changes or discoloration anywhere on your body
• Sudden and severe leg or a foot ulcer, foot pain, purple toes or fingers

What should I know before taking Warfarin Sodium? 

• Do not take more often or increase the dose of this medication. Consult your doctor first before doing it so.
• It is important to eat a balanced and consistent diet while taking this drug.
• For pregnant women, this medication is not recommended for use.
• Taking this medicine can make you bruise or bleed more easily. You might get occasional nosebleeds or bleed from your gums and it might take longer than usual to stop bleeding if you cut yourself. It’s important to tell your doctor straight away if you experience any more serious bleeding while you’re taking warfarin.
• Do not share this or any of your medications with others even if they have the same symptoms as yours.

Getting the Best Result from Warfarin Sodium

• This may reason for stomach bleeding. Regular use of alcohol will increase your risk of stomach bleeding. Limit alcoholic beverages.
• You must prevent from making sudden dramatic changes to your diet while taking Warfarin Sodium. In particular, avoid making big changes to your intake of vitamin K, because this can alter the effect of your Warfarin.
• It’s recommended that you avoid drinking cranberry juice and taking cranberry products while on this treatment. These could increase the effectiveness of your Warfarin.
• Call for medical help if you have any signs of an allergic reaction or overdose.