8 steps to taking warfarin

Warfarin is a very effective medicine when taken correctly.

Follow these 8 steps, and work with your doctor and pharmacist, to ensure you are taking your warfarin correctly and safely.

Step 1: Know why you are taking warfarin

• Warfarin is an anticoagulant drug that helps prevent blood clots from forming.
• Blood clots can cause stroke or heart attack or other serious conditions.

Step 2: Take your warfarin exactly as prescribed

• The two brands of warfarin Marevan^® and Coumadin^® are not the same. Always use the same brand.
• Each brand comes in different strength tablets. Each strength has a different colour.
• Take the exact dose of warfarin prescribed by your doctor.
• Take your warfarin at about the same time of day.

Types of warfarin

Step 3: Know what to do if you miss a dose

• If you forget for longer than 3-4 hours do not take that dose. Instead take your next dose as normal.
• Never take a double dose.
• Write down any missed or late doses.

Step 4: Have regular warfarin blood tests (INR)

• Regular INR tests allow the dose of warfarin you need to be worked out and changed if necessary.
• Record your INR test result and warfarin dose. Take your record to all your medical appointments.
• It is a good idea to know what your INR should be.

Step 5: Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before starting, changing or stopping any medicines

• All medicines, including natural and herbal products, may affect your warfarin.

Step 6: Maintain a well balanced diet

• Major changes in your diet or bowel habits may affect how your warfarin works.
• Drink no more than 1-2 standard alcoholic drinks per day.

Step 7: Contact your doctor, pharmacist or hospital without delay if you have unusual bleeding such as:

• dark red or brown urine
• red or black bowel motions
• vomiting or coughing up blood
• cuts, nosebleeds or bleeding gums that go on for a long time
• lots of unusual bruises
• a severe headache

Step 8: Let others know you are taking warfarin

• Inform all the health and dental professionals you see.
• In case of an accident or emergency carry identification that says you take warfarin. Consider a Safety Alert Bracelet^*.

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