Warfarin

Drug Class:	Commonly Known As:	Category:
Anticoagulant	Marevan®	Adult

Warfarin - Side Effects, Precautions, and Contraindications

Unexplained nose bleed
Bleeding from gums when brushing teeth
Prolonged bleeding from minor cuts (10-15 minutes) despite applying pressure on wound. Action: Check with your doctor if the bleeding does not stop within 15 min or if you feel unwell
Excessive menstrual bleeding (women) Action: For women, increased menstrual flow is common but check with your doctror if you feel unwell.

Blood in urine or cloudy and dark urine
Black, sticky or tarry stool (not due to iron supplement)
Coughing up blood or coffee ground-like vomit
Unexplained large bruises or purplish area on skin
Sudden severe headache with nausea or loss of consciousness Action: Check with your doctor immediately or admit yourself to the Accident and Emergency Department (A&E) if you experience any of the symptoms or feel unwell

Effect of warfarin depends on the amount of Vitamin K in your body which is mostly derived from your diet
Eat a well-balanced diet while you are on warfarin
Ensure consistent and moderate consumption of Vitamin K rich food (Refer to the table at the bottom of this page)
Avoid making any MAJOR CHANGES to your diet (e.g. becoming a vegetarian) without first consulting your doctor or pharmacist
Avoid excessive alcohol consumption. It is advisable not to take more than 5 cans of beer or 1 bottle of wine per week
Avoid any form of traditional or herbal remedies and over-the-counter supplements (e.g. gingko, garlic, cordyceps and ginseng) as their effect on warfarin is unpredictable
Consult your doctor or pharmacist before you start or stop taking any medication or supplements. Certain medications like pain killers, antibiotics, and hormonal