Warfarin Sodium Solution for injection Health Article

Generic name(s):

Warfarin Sodium Solution for injection

Brand name(s):

Coumadin, Jantoven, Warfarin Sodium

What is this medicine?

WARFARIN (WAR far in) is an anticoagulant. It is used to treat or prevent clots in the veins, arteries, lungs, or heart.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• alcoholism
• anemia
• blood disease, bleeding disorders, hemorrhage, hemophilia or aneurysm
• bowel disease, diverticulitis, or ulcers
• cancer
• diabetes
• heart disease
• heart valve infection
• high blood pressure
• history of bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract
• history of stroke or other brain injury or disease
• kidney disease
• liver disease
• older than 65 years
• protein or vitamin deficiency
• psychosis or dementia
• recent surgery or injury
• an unusual or allergic reaction to warfarin, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine is given by infusion into a vein. It is given by a health care professional in a hospital or clinic setting.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply.

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

• agents that prevent or dissolve blood clots
• aspirin or other salicylates
• danshen
• dextrothyroxine
• mifepristone
• St. John's Wort
• red yeast rice

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• acetaminophen
• agents that lower cholesterol
• alcohol
• allopurinol
• amiodarone
• antibiotics or medicines for treating bacterial, fungal or viral infections
• azathioprine
• barbiturate medicines for inducing sleep or treating seizures
• certain medicines for diabetes
• certain medicines for heart rhythm problems
• certain medicines for high blood pressure
• chloral hydrate
• cisapride
• disulfiram
• female hormones, including contraceptive or birth control pills
• general anesthetics
• herbal or dietary products like cranberry, garlic, ginkgo, ginseng, green tea, or kava kava
• influenza virus vaccine
• male hormones
• medicines for mental depression or psychosis
• medicines for some types of cancer
• medicines for stomach problems
• methylphenidate
• NSAIDs, medicines for pain and inflammation, like ibuprofen or naproxen
• propoxyphene
• quinidine, quinine
• raloxifene
• seizure or epilepsy medicine like carbamazepine, phenytoin, and valproic acid
• steroids like cortisone and prednisone
• tamoxifen
• thyroid medicine
• tramadol
• vitamin c, vitamin e, and vitamin K
• zafirlukast
• zileuton

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.