Long-term use of warfarin in patients with atrial fibrillation and other stroke risk factors can reduce stroke by upwards of 70 percent.
Warfarin can prevent stroke when used as directed, and the risk of stroke is greater than the risk of bleeding if you have AF. Still, it's important to follow your doctor's instructions carefully when you take this (or any) medication. Here are some tips for properly managing your medication:
- Tell your doctor right away if you have any unusual bleeding or bruising.
- If you ever forget to take your daily warfarin pill, don't take another one to "catch up." Instead, call your doctor, say that you missed your warfarin dose and follow your doctor's directions.
- Switching from one form of warfarin to another (such as going from brand to generic versions) can change your PT response, so be extra vigilant. Even small variations in the amount of the drug you get can cause problems.
- Always tell your doctor, dentist and druggist that you take warfarin, especially before you start taking a new medication or have any procedure that can cause bleeding.
- If you have any problems, tell your doctor right away.
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To be sure you're getting the right amount of blood-thinning medication, your doctor will do a test called a Prothrombin Time. (This test is also called "ProTime" or "PT.") The results of this test may be reported to you as an "INR" number. By using an INR (International Normalized Ratio), your doctor can keep your blood clotting at a safe and effective level. Your INR should usually test between 2.0 and 3.0.
This content is reviewed regularly. Last updated 04/10/09.
