WARFARIN SODIUM

WARFARIN (WAR far in) prevents and treats blood clots. It may also be used to lower the risk of stroke in people with AFib (atrial fibrillation) or heart valve replacement.  It belongs to a group of medications called blood thinners.

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

Take this medication by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. You can take this medication with or without food. Take your medication at the same time each day. Do not take it more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your care team's advice. Stopping this medication may increase your risk of a blood clot. Be sure to refill your prescription before you run out of medication.
If your care team calls to change your dose, write down the dose and any other instructions. Always read the dose and instructions back to him or her to make sure you understand them. Tell your care team what strength of tablets you have on hand. Ask how many tablets you should take to equal your new dose. Write the date on the new instructions and keep them near your medication. If you are told to stop taking your medication until your next blood test, call your care team if you do not hear anything within 24 hours of the test to find out your new dose or when to restart your prior dose.
A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.
Talk to your care team about the use of this medication 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.

Do not take this medication with any of the following:
-Defibrotide
This medication may also interact with the following:
-Acyclovir
-Allopurinol
-Aprepitant
-Armodafinil
-Aspirin
-Bicalutamide
-Bosentan
-Caffeine
-Capecitabine
-Certain antibiotics, such as erythromycin, clarithromycin, ciprofloxacin, cotrimoxazole, metronidazole, norfloxacin, or tigecycline
-Certain antivirals for HIV or hepatitis
-Certain medications for blood clots, such as argatroban, aspirin, bivalirudin, enoxaparin, fondaparinux, heparin, or lepirudin
-Certain medications for blood pressure, heart disease, irregular heartbeat
-Certain medications for cholesterol, such as atorvastatin, lovastatin, and simvastatin
-Certain medications for fungal infections, such as fluconazole, ketoconazole, itraconazole, posaconazole, or voriconazole
-Certain medications for mental health conditions
-Certain medications for seizures, such as carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, rufinamide
-Cilostazol
-Clopidogrel
-Conivaptan
-Cyclosporine
-Dipyridamole
-Disulfiram
-Estrogen or progestin hormones
-Herbal or dietary products, such as garlic, ginkgo, ginseng, green tea, kava kava, red yeast rice, St. John's Wort
-Isoniazid
-Methoxsalen
-Modafinil
-Nilotinib
-NSAIDs, medications for pain and inflammation, such as ibuprofen or naproxen
-Oxandrolone
-Phenylpropanolamine
-Prasugrel
-Rifampin
-Steroid medications, such as prednisone or cortisone
-Stomach acid blockers, such as cimetidine, famotidine, ranitidine, or omeprazole
-Sulfinpyrazone
-Thiabendazole
-Ticlopidine
-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.

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress.
You will need blood tests while you are taking this medication. These tests tell your care team how fast your blood clots. They will use the test results to adjust your dose as needed. It is important not to miss your blood test visits. Call your care team if you are not able to keep your appointment.
It is important to eat a healthy mix of foods while you are taking this medication. Do not change what you eat without first talking to your care team. Foods and drinks that contain vitamin K can affect the way this medication works. Foods high in vitamin K include leafy green vegetables and some vegetable oils.
Talk to your care team right away if you have fever, infection, vomiting, or diarrhea while you are taking this medication. Also, check with your care team if you are not able to eat for several days. These problems can change how this medication works in your body.
Before having surgery, dental work, or another procedure, tell your care team that you are taking this medication.
Avoid sports and activities that may cause injury while you are taking this medication. Severe falls or injuries can cause unseen bleeding. Be careful when using sharp tools or knives. Consider using an electric razor. Take special care brushing or flossing your teeth. Report any injuries, bruising, or red spots on the skin to your care team.
The effects of this medication will continue for 2 to 5 days after you stop taking it.
Wear a medical ID bracelet or chain. Carry a card that describes your condition. List the medications and doses you take on the card.
Talk to your care team if you may be pregnant. Serious fetal side effects can occur if you take this medication during pregnancy and for 1 month after the last dose. The benefits of this medication may outweigh the risks. Your care team can help you find the option that works for you.
If you may be pregnant, do not touch broken or crushed tablets of this medication. If you are pregnant and touch broken or crushed tablets, call your care team.

It is important not to miss a dose. If you miss a dose, call your care team. Take the dose as soon as possible on the same day. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses to make up for a missed dose.

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
-Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
-Bleeding—bloody or black, tar-like stools, vomiting blood or brown material that looks like coffee grounds, red or dark brown urine, small red or purple spots on skin, unusual bruising or bleeding
-Bleeding in the brain—severe headache, stiff neck, confusion, dizziness, change in vision, numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg, trouble speaking, trouble walking, vomiting
-Dark or purple painful toes
-Heavy periods
-Painful swelling, warmth, or redness of the skin, blisters or sores
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
-Diarrhea
-Hair loss

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.
Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Protect from light. Keep the container tightly closed. Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.
To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:
-Take the medication to a take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
-If you cannot return the medication, ask your pharmacist or care team how to get rid of it safely.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.