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Health Library Warfarin for Deep Vein ThrombosisFrom Healthwise

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Warfarin for deep vein thrombosis

Examples

Generic NameBrand Name
warfarinCoumadin

How It Works

Normally, when an injury that causes bleeding occurs, the body sends out signals that cause blood to clot at the wound, and the clot naturally breaks down as the wound heals. A person prone to abnormal clotting has an imbalance between clot formation and clot breakdown.

Warfarin prevents new clots from forming and prevents existing clots from growing by stopping the production of certain proteins that are needed for blood to clot. Warfarin does not break up or dissolve existing blood clots. Warfarin is a type of anticoagulant medicine.

Why It Is Used

Warfarin is used to prevent or treat deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. It can also be used for stroke prevention in some cases.

How Well It Works

Warfarin reduces the chance that a new blood clot will form or that an existing blood clot will get larger.

Side Effects

Bleeding is the most common side effect of warfarin.

Know the signs of bleeding

Call 911 if:

  • You cough up blood.
  • You vomit blood or what looks like coffee grounds.
  • You pass maroon or very bloody stools.

Call your doctor right away if:

  • You have new bruises or blood spots under your skin.
  • You have a nosebleed that doesn't stop quickly.
  • Your gums bleed when you brush your teeth.
  • You have blood in your urine.
  • Your stools are black and look like tar or have streaks of blood.
  • You have heavy period bleeding or vaginal bleeding when you are not having your period.

If you are injured, apply pressure to stop the bleeding. Realize that it will take longer than you are used to for the bleeding to stop. If you can't get the bleeding to stop, call your doctor.

Warfarin may also cause a skin rash.

See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference is not available in all systems.)

What To Think About

When you take warfarin, you need to take extra steps to avoid bleeding problems.

  • Get regular blood tests.
  • Prevent falls and injuries.
  • Eat a steady diet, and pay attention to foods that contain vitamin K.
  • Tell your doctors about all other medicines and vitamins that you take.

For more information, see:

Click here to view an Actionset.Warfarin: Taking your medicine safely.

Know what to do if you miss a dose of anticoagulant.

Pregnancy. Do not take warfarin if you are pregnant or may become pregnant. If you are taking warfarin and think you may be pregnant, call your doctor. Warfarin can cause birth defects. If you become pregnant while taking warfarin, your doctor may recommend that you switch to another anticoagulant medicine called heparin while you are pregnant.

Complete the new medication information form (PDF)(What is a PDF document?) to help you understand this medication.

Credits

ByHealthwise Staff
Primary Medical ReviewerE. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
Specialist Medical ReviewerJeffrey S. Ginsberg, MD, MD - Hematology
Last RevisedJanuary 5, 2010

Last Revised: January 5, 2010

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine & Jeffrey S. Ginsberg, MD, MD - Hematology

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.

To learn more visit Healthwise.org

© 1995-2012 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.

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