Anticoagulation therapy WARFARIN is used in the prevention of many diseases such as Thromboembolism, Atrial Fibrillation, or for any other patient who has heart valve surgery or replacement. Anticoagulants are blood thinner medications that help in reducing the risk of stroke or a heart attack. Among all the Anticoagulants, WARFARIN [COUMADIN] is the most traditional drug prescribed for blood-thinning medication. It reduces the human body’s ability to form VITAMIN K.
All patients who are on WARFARIN are strictly advised to monitor their PT/INR level so that their doses can be adjusted regularly. Patients must be well aware and educated before using this drug safely and effectively. It has recently become more convenient to monitor PT/INR levels at home by using a PT/INR monitor which is a portable and effective device. Through PATIENT SELF-TESTING and regular follow-ups with their doctors, patients can easily manage their risk of long-term anticoagulation.
SOME COMPLEXITIES OF BLOOD THINNERS
In some people, blood thinners can cause side effects. The most common among them is the risk of excessive bleeding. Some other side effects are-
o Excessive bleeding from a normal cut
o Dizziness
o Weakness in muscles
o Skin rashes
o Bleeding gums
o Bleeding from nose
o Change in color of urine
You should immediately see your doctor if you see any of these side effects and take proper care as advised by your health care providers.
You may also be interested in reading :
10 PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES TO BE TAKEN AFTER A HEART BYPASS SURGERY
WHAT MUST YOU KNOW ABOUT THE ON-X-AORTIC VALVE?
EXPLAIN BIOPROSTHESIS VALVE REPLACEMENT
MANAGEMENT OF ANTICOAGULATION THERAPY
The health care providers should estimate both the benefit and risk for each of their patients based on certain factors such as ;
§ The rate and mortality of thromboembolism with no anticoagulation
§ The rate of reduction of thromboembolism with using anticoagulation
§ The rate and mortality of anticoagulant-induced complications, mainly hemorrhage
The benefit and risk ratio of the use of long-term anticoagulation therapy is established differently with different patients over the same time period. The best way to manage the risk of long-term usage of anticoagulants is the regular monitoring of the PT/INR ratio and proper adjustment of WARFARIN dosage.