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Printable Version Warfarin Injection

Active Ingredients: Warfarin
Other Names: Coumadin Injection
Rx Status: Available by prescription only
Generic Available: No
Product Images & Descriptions:

What is/are Warfarin Injection?
What should I tell my health care providers before I take this medicine?
How should I use this medicine?
What if I miss a dose?
What may interact with this medicine?
What side effects may I notice from this medicine?
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Where should I keep this medicine?

What is/are Warfarin Injection? (Back to top)
WARFARIN 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 providers before I take this medicine? (Back to top)
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? (Back to top)
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? (Back to top)
This does not apply.


What may interact with this medicine? (Back to top)
Do not take this medicine with any of the following:

  • 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:
  • 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 providers 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.


What side effects may I notice from this medicine? (Back to top)
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

  • allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
  • back or stomach pain
  • breathing problems
  • chest pain or fast or irregular heartbeat
  • dizziness
  • fever or chills
  • headaches
  • heavy menstrual bleeding or vaginal bleeding
  • nausea, vomiting
  • painful, blue, or purple toes
  • painful, prolonged erection
  • prolonged bleeding from cuts
  • signs and symptoms of bleeding such as bloody or black, tarry stools, red or dark-brown urine, spitting up blood or brown material that looks like coffee grounds, red spots on the skin, unusual bruising or bleeding from the eye, gums, or nose
  • unusual swelling or sudden weight gain
  • unusually weak or tired
  • yellowing of the eyes or skin

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
  • diarrhea
  • unusual hair loss

This list may not describe all possible side effects.


What should I watch for while using this medicine? (Back to top)
Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medicine.

You will need to have your blood checked regularly to make sure you are getting the right dose of this medicine. When you first start taking this medicine, these tests are done often. Once the correct dose is determined and you take your medicine properly, these tests can be done less often.

While you are taking this medicine, carry an identification card with your name, the name and dose of medicine(s) being used, and the name and phone number of your doctor or health care professional or person to contact in an emergency.

You should discuss your diet with your doctor or health care professional. Many foods contain high amounts of vitamin K, which can interfere with the effect of this medicine. Your doctor or health care professional may want you to limit your intake of foods that contain vitamin K. Foods that have moderate to high amounts of vitamin K include brussel sprouts, kale, green tea, asparagus, avocado, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, collard greens, liver, soybean oil, soybeans, certain beans, mustard greens, peas (black eyed peas, split peas, chick peas), turnip greens, parsley, green onions, spinach, and lettuce.

This medicine can cause birth defects or bleeding in an unborn child. Women of childbearing age should use effective birth control while taking this medicine. If a woman becomes pregnant while taking this medicine, she should discuss the potential risks and her options with her health care professional.

Avoid sports and activities that might cause injury while you are using this medicine. 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 doctor or health care professional.

If you have an illness that causes vomiting, diarrhea, or fever for more than a few days, contact your doctor. Also check with your doctor if you are unable to eat for several days. These problems can change the effect of this medicine.

Even after you stop taking this medicine, it takes several days before your body recovers its normal ability to clot blood. Ask your doctor or health care professional how long you need to be careful. If you are going to have surgery or dental work, tell your doctor or health care professional that you have been taking this medicine.


Where should I keep this medicine? (Back to top)
This drug is given in a hospital or clinic and will not be stored at home.

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.


Last Updated:January 23, 2007

COPYRIGHT© Gold Standard, An Elsevier Company


Note: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before taking the product.

  Additional Information

  Check Drug Interactions with Warfarin Injection

  Test Yourself! If you currently take Warfarin Injection, do you know everything that you need to know?

  Make your own printable Medication / Emergency Contact Card



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