Inpatient Warfarin Counseling
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Transcript Inpatient Warfarin Counseling
Warfarin Counseling
Clinic Patient Education
The UCSD Anticoagulation Clinic
The UCSD Anticoagulation clinic is run by
pharmacists
The 2 clinic locations
Hillcrest: 330 Lewis Street (@ 4th Ave)
La Jolla: 9350 Campus Point Drive
(@ Perlman Medical offices)
Contact information and important phone
numbers are listed in your handout
Warfarin / Coumadin®:
What it is and What it Does
What is warfarin?
An anticoagulant that helps reduce the
formation of clots in your blood
Why was warfarin prescribed for you?
Sometimes medical conditions can make
blood clot too easily and quickly
This could cause serious health problems
because clots can block the flow of blood to
the heart or brain
Warfarin can prevent harmful clots from
forming
Warfarin / Coumadin®:
What it is and What it Does
How does warfarin work?
Blood clots are formed through a series of
chemical reactions in your body.
Vitamin K is necessary for those reactions.
Warfarin works by decreasing the activity of
vitamin K which lengthens the time it takes for
a clot to form
How to Take Warfarin
Take warfarin at the same time every day as
directed by the Anticoagulation Clinic.
Warfarin can be taken with food or other
medications.
If you forget a dose, take it as soon as you
remember, as long as it is the same day.
Never skip a dose or take a double dose.
Blood Tests
How much warfarin you need will depend
upon the results of your blood tests
The International Normalized Ratio (INR) is
the blood test we will use to evaluate how
long it takes your blood to clot
You will need to get your INR checked
regularly as directed by the Anticoagulation
Clinic
Blood Tests
Possible Side Effects of Warfarin
Warfarin is very well tolerated
Minor bleeding is the most common
complication and is not dangerous
Gum bleeding
Occasional nosebleeds
Easy bruising
Heavier than normal menstrual bleeding
Bleeding that takes longer to stop than usual
Most people will experience one or more of
these effects
Possible Side Effects of Warfarin
Major bleeding is a rare but serious side
effect that must be reported immediately
Red or brown urine, red or tarry stools
Blood in vomit or phlegm/mucus
Severe headache or stomachache
Prolonged or excessive bleeding
Large unexplained bruises
If you sustain a serious fall or injury or hit
your head at any time, go directly to the
emergency room!
Using Other Medications:
Over-the-Counter Products
Pain medications
Medications you may use
Acetaminophen (Tylenol®): no more than 2000 mg per
day
Medications to avoid
Ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®, Nuprin®)
Naproxen (Aleve®, Anaprox®, Naprosyn®)
Aspirin (Ecotrin®, Bayer®), unless prescribed by your
doctor
Other products that may contain aspirin or aspirin-like
products: Excedrin®, Alka-Seltzer®, Pepto-Bismol®
Using Other Medications:
Over-the-Counter Products
Vitamins
Multi-vitamins containing vitamin K should be taken
consistently
Herbal products to avoid
Danshen
Garlic
Ginkgo
Ginseng
Fish oil
Kava kava
Omega-3 fatty acids
Check with the Anticoagulation Clinic before
starting any new medication
Using Other Medications:
Prescription Medications
Medications that may have a strong interaction
with warfarin:
Antibiotics (e.g. Septra®/Bactrim®, Flagyl®, Diflucan®)
Cardiovascular medications (e.g. amiodarone)
Anticonvulsants (e.g. Dilantin®, Tegretol®)
Let your pharmacist or doctor know every time
you start a new medication. This will allow
them to evaluate whether your warfarin could
interact with this new medicine.
Diet for Warfarin Users
The food you eat can affect how warfarin
works
To help warfarin work effectively, it is
important to keep your vitamin K intake as
consistent as possible
The highest amount of vitamin K is found in
green, leafy vegetables like broccoli
Alcohol should be limited to 1 drink per day
Avoid eating mangos and liver
How Taking Warfarin Changes
Your Life
Activity: Stay active, but use protection when
at risk for injury.
Diet: Keep it balanced and consistent. We will
adjust the warfarin to your diet and lifestyle.
Alcohol: Limit to 1 drink per day.
Healthcare: Attend all Anticoagulation Clinic
visits. Inform all healthcare providers
(including us) of all medications and illnesses.
Pregnancy: Do not take warfarin if you are
pregnant or may become pregnant.
Questions?
Please fill out the Medical History form—front
and back
We will review your medicines and history
and perform the INR test at your appointment
We hope this session was informative
Thanks for coming!