Bleeding
IMPORTANT - If you take warfarin, it is important you contact your doctor immediately if you develop any significant bleeding.
Minor Bleeding
Bruising or minor bleeding such as bleeding gums and slight spotting from the nose is quite common for people on warfarin. If this happens occasionally you do not need to worry. However if it becomes a persistent problem it is sensible to get an INR check and talk to your doctor.
Major bleeding
You should contact your doctor immediately if you have any of the following:
- Blood in your urine
- Blood in your bowel motions
- Vomit blood
- A prolonged nose bleed lasting more than 30mins
- Large bruises measuring more than 5cm in diameter
Head injuries and accidents
If you have a head injury or are involved in an accident it is important that you inform somebody close to you that you are on warfarin. You could develop internal bleeding after the event.
If after a head injury you develop a persistent headache, drowsiness or start vomiting, you should go to hospital immediately for further investigation.