WARFARIN-ORAL (cont.)
PRECAUTIONS: Before taking warfarin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: blood disorders (e.g., hemophilia), bleeding conditions (e.g., active ulcers), uncontrolled severe high blood pressure (malignant hypertension), recent or planned surgery, received certain procedures (e.g., spinal cord injections, major anesthesia). Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver disease, kidney disease, alcohol abuse, tissue damage (e.g., gangrene, necrosis), trauma, high blood pressure, severe diabetes, congestive heart failure, cancer, collagen vascular disease (e.g., lupus, polyarteritis), radiation therapy, underactive or overactive thyroid, poor nutrition, intestinal absorption problems, low blood levels of vitamin K, swelling of the arms/legs (edema), high cholesterol/fat blood levels, catheters in your body (e.g., urinary or intravenous type), side effects with heparin treatment (heparin-induced thrombocytopenia), family members who did not respond to warfarin treatment, conditions that make it difficult to follow a warfarin treatment plan (e.g., dementia, psychosis). Avoid alcohol while taking this drug because it may increase the risk of stomach bleeding. Avoid getting injections into the muscles (intramuscular-IM). If they must be given, limit injections to the arms. The FDA has stated that generic warfarin products are interchangeable. However, consult your doctor and pharmacist before switching warfarin products. If you have an illness or infection that causes vomiting, diarrhea or fever for more than a few days, contact your doctor immediately because these conditions can affect how well this drug works. This medication can cause heavy bleeding. Be extra careful to avoid injuries (e.g., avoid contact sports). Use an electric razor when shaving and a soft toothbrush when brushing your teeth. It is important that all your doctors and dentists know you take warfarin. Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to its effects. This medication must not be used during pregnancy because of possible fetal harm and birth defects. Discuss reliable forms of birth control with your doctor. If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. You will be switched over to another anticoagulant (e.g., heparin-type) during pregnancy. Consult your doctor for more information. This medication does not pass into breast milk. While there have been no reports of harm to nursing infants, consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
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