US Brand Name:
{Coumadin} ({Warfarin})
Pharmacologic Category:
{Anticoagulant}, {Vitamin K Antagonist} Other medications in the same category: {Jantoven} ({Warfarin}), {Pradaxa} ({Dabigatran}), {Xarelto} ({Rivaroxaban}), {Eliquis} ({Apixaban}), {Savaysa} ({Edoxaban})
Diseases Treated, Dosing, and Treatment Duration
{Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)}: Initial dose 2-5 mg/day, adjusted based on INR; typical maintenance dose 2-10 mg/day; treatment duration varies, often 3-6 months.
{Pulmonary Embolism (PE)}: Same dosing as for {DVT}; treatment duration varies, often 3-6 months or longer.
{Stroke Prevention in Atrial Fibrillation (AFib)}: Initial dose 2-5 mg/day, adjusted based on INR; typical maintenance dose 2-10 mg/day; long-term treatment.
{Heart Valve Replacement Thrombosis Prophylaxis}: Dosing and treatment duration depends on the type of valve and individual patient factors; consult with a healthcare provider.
{Venous Thromboembolism (VTE)} Prevention in Orthopedic Surgery: Initial dose 2-5 mg/day, adjusted based on INR; typical maintenance dose 2-10 mg/day; treatment duration varies, often 10-35 days.
{Recurrent Systemic Embolism}: Same dosing as for stroke prevention in {AFib}; long-term treatment.
{Myocardial Infarction (MI)} Prevention: Same dosing as for stroke prevention in {AFib}; long-term treatment.
{Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)} Prevention: Same dosing as for stroke prevention in {AFib}; long-term treatment.
{Thromboembolic Complications} in Cancer Patients: Dosing and treatment duration depends on individual patient factors; consult with a healthcare provider.
{Thrombosis Prevention in Antiphospholipid Syndrome}: Same dosing as for stroke prevention in {AFib}; long-term treatment.
{Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (TTP)} Prevention: Dosing and treatment duration depends on individual patient factors; consult with a healthcare provider.
Dosage Forms and Strengths:
Tablets: 1 mg, 2 mg, 2.5 mg, 3 mg, 4 mg, 5 mg, 6 mg, 7.5 mg, and 10 mg.
Administration Instructions:
Take {warfarin} at the same time each day, with or without food. Avoid sudden changes in diet, especially in {vitamin K-rich foods} (e.g., leafy greens, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, green tea).
Adverse Reactions and Side Effects (continued):
{Headache} (3-10%): Pain or discomfort in the head or neck region. {Cough} (1-10%): A dry, persistent cough resulting from the medication’s effect on the lungs. {Hypotension} (1-5%): Low blood pressure, which can cause dizziness, lightheadedness, and fainting. {Hyperkalemia} (1-5%): Elevated potassium levels in the blood, which can cause irregular heartbeats or other heart-related issues. {Skin necrosis} (less than 1%): Skin and other tissues may develop painful lesions and die. {Purple Toe Syndrome} (less than 1%): Painful, discolored toes due to cholesterol crystal embolization. {Angioedema} (less than 1%): Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, which can cause difficulty breathing and requires immediate medical attention.
Contraindications:
Severe {bleeding disorders} or active major bleeding Hypersensitivity to {warfarin} or its components {Pregnancy}, except in women with mechanical heart valves
Drug to Drug Interactions:
{Amiodarone} ({Cordarone}, {Pacerone}): Increased risk of bleeding {Fluconazole} ({Diflucan}): Increased risk of bleeding {Metronidazole} ({Flagyl}): Increased risk of bleeding {Ciprofloxacin} ({Cipro}): Increased risk of bleeding {Simvastatin} ({Zocor}): Increased risk of bleeding {Levothyroxine} ({Synthroid}, {Levoxyl}): Increased risk of bleeding {Acetaminophen} ({Tylenol}): Increased risk of bleeding {Aspirin}: Increased risk of bleeding {Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)} such as {ibuprofen} ({Advil}, {Motrin}) and {naproxen} ({Aleve}): Increased risk of bleeding {Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)} like {fluoxetine} ({Prozac}) and {sertraline} ({Zoloft}): Increased risk of bleeding {St. John’s Wort}: Decreased effectiveness of warfarin
Is this medication safe to take when pregnant?
{Warfarin} is generally contraindicated during pregnancy due to the risk of fetal harm and birth defects. However, women with mechanical heart valves may be prescribed warfarin under close supervision due to the high risk of valve-related thrombosis.
Is this medication safe to take when breastfeeding?
{Warfarin} is considered safe to use during breastfeeding as it is present in breast milk in very low concentrations that do not affect the infant.
Estimate price of a 30-day supply of the medication without insurance and using a GoodRx coupon:
The estimated price for a 30-day supply of {Warfarin} (5 mg tablets) without insurance and using a {GoodRx} coupon is around $4-$20. Prices may vary depending on the pharmacy and the dosage strength.
Legal Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and not intended as medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment. Reliance on the information provided here is at your own risk.