Warfarin
Warfarin is the most widely used anticoagulant in New Zealand
Warfarin is used to treat deep vein thrombosis (blood clots in the leg)and pulmonary embolus (blood clots in the lungs). It is also used to prevent blood clots in people with artifical heart valves and reduces the risk of stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation.
IMPORTANT
If you take warfarin, it is important that you contact your doctor immediately if you develop any significant bleeding.
Other medicines
Many medicines, including herbal remedies, can affect the warfarin level. Always check with the chemist before buying new medicines. Changes in doses or stopping medicines that you are already taking can also affect the level. Check with your doctor.
Pregnancy
Avoid pregnancy while on warfarin because this can cause deformities in the fetus. If you become pregnant, stop warfarin immediately. Notify your doctor, who can treat you safely with heparin injections for the rest of the pregnancy.