Anticoagulation Clinic

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Important Advice for Patients

Written by Anticoagulation Nurse Specialist

An Anticoagulant stops your blood from clotting within the blood vessels, Warfarin is an anticoagulant. Taking Warfarin is safe provided you follow the DO’s and DON’Ts listed in this leaflet.

Always carry your dosage letter with you and show it to your doctor or dentist when obtaining treatment. Show it to your Pharmacist when you are having a prescription dispensed and when purchasing medicines. As a pharmacist can advise you, it is in your own interest that you purchase all medicines from a Pharmacy. Also show it to anyone giving treatment which may result in bleeding.

Regular INR blood tests are required to show what the Warfarin is doing.

Do's

DO carry your Anticoagulant Alert Card with you at all times.

Advice Leaflet for Patients

DO keep your appointments for your blood to be checked.

While taking anticoagulants you must have regular blood tests to check the dose of tablets you need. If you cannot attend tell the doctor or clinic and make another appointment.

DO remember the name, strength and colour of your anticoagulant.

DO inform the doctor of bruising or bleeding problems immediately..

For example:

Prolonged bleeding from cuts
Bleeding that does not stop itself
Nose bleeds or bleeding gums
Red or dark brown urine
Red or black stools
Women may find increased bleeding during periods, or any other vaginal bleeding.

DO remind your doctor or dentist that you are taking an anticoagulant if any surgery or dental treatment is needed.

Don'ts

DON’T miss a dose of anticoagulant.

If you do, make a note of the date and tell your clinic or doctor when you next have a blood test. If you miss more than 1 dose, contact your anticoagulation clinic for advice.

DON’T take an extra dose of anticoagulant if you are unsure if you have taken your tablets.

If necessary use a calendar and mark off each dose by a line through the date.

DON’T run out of tablets always ensure you have a further weeks supply.

DON’T take aspirin or any preparation containing aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) unless this is prescribed by a doctor who knows you are taking anticoagulants.

When buying any medicine over the counter, check with a pharmacist to see if it is safe to take along with your current prescribed medication. Paracetamol can be taken in normal doses while on anticoagulants. Changes in your medication should be written on the bottom slip of your dosage letter before your next blood test.

DON’T go on crash diets or start ‘binge’ eating consult your doctor on dietary changes.

DON’T take more then moderate amounts of alcohol marked changes in consumption can be dangerous

PREGNANCY.

Oral anticoagulants taken in the early weeks of pregnancy carry a small risk of damaging the unborn child.

If you are a woman of childbearing age receiving anticoagulants you should not start a pregnancy without consulting your doctor, who will be able to decide whether or not you should continue your anticoagulation therapy.

If you find that your period is one week overdue, and you think you may be pregnant, you must see your doctor straight away.