What problems might you encounter on warfarin?

Warfarin is an anti-clotting (anticoagulant) medication prescribed either to prevent clots  forming in the blood, or to treat clots that have already appeared. Warfarin tablets are available in three strengths : 1 milligram (brown), 3 milligram (blue)  and 5 milligram (pink). The amount of warfarin you need may vary, especially when you start  the treatment, so it is advisable to keep a supply of all three tablet sizes. Your GP can  prescribe this for you and can supply a much larger amount than the hospital pharmacy. When should I take it ? Warfarin should be taken at the same time every day, preferably at six o’clock in the evening.  Warfarin remains active in the blood stream for one-and-a-half to two-and a-half days, so if  you forget to take your dose do not take twice as much the following day, just continue with  your usual dose.  Too much warfarin can be dangerous and cause excessive bleeding. Tell your GP It is very important that you tell your GP that you have been prescribed warfarin.  Some medications can affect the levels of warfarin in the blood stream, including  most antibiotics.  So always consult your GP before starting or stopping any medications. You may also  need to stop taking warfarin before some treatments can be carried out, such as  surgery and dentistry. Tell your dentist You should also inform your dentist, as there is a risk of bleeding during dental procedures.  Tell your pharmacist Your pharmacist can also give you advice on medications that may affect the warfarin. Are there any side-effects? Very rarely people experience mild nausea, as with other medicines, but this will quickly  pass. Any prolonged bouts of nausea and vomiting or diarrhoea need to be reported to y our GP, as that could affect how much warfarin you are absorbing. Are there any dangers to warfarin? If taken correctly and you have your blood test done regularly, there should be no problems  at all. Warning signs that you may have too much warfarin in your blood stream are:  Severe bruising or swelling without obvious cause  Prolonged nose bleeds  Coughing up blood or blood stained mucus  Bleeding from gums  Severe bleeding from a small cut  Vomiting blood   Unusually heavy bleeding during periods  Passing black “tar-like “ bowel movements that are foul-smelling  Passing blood in urine If you experience any of the above symptoms you must  contact either your GP  Pregnancy and warfarin It is very important to discuss with the doctor before planning pregnancy. Warfarin does  cross the placenta and could harm the unborn child. There are alternative anticoagulant medications  which can be used during pregnancy The above from http://www.royalfree.nhs.uk/pip_admin/docs/warf_anticoagulant_141.pdf