Warfarin - Anticoagulant Medication for Blood Clot Prevention

Warfarin is an anticoagulant medication used to prevent blood clots from forming or growing larger within the blood vessels. It is commonly prescribed to individuals at risk of blood clot-related conditions.
Category
Drug
Where to get
Available by prescription from healthcare providers
Prepared by Shruti Sahoo, reviewed by Dr. Eugene Smith

Warfarin FAQ


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What is warfarin used for?

Last updated on Mar 1, 2024. What is warfarin? Warfarin is an anticoagulant (blood thinner). Warfarin reduces the formation of blood clots. Warfarin is used to treat or prevent blood clots in veins or arteries, which can reduce the risk of stroke, heart attack, or other serious conditions.

Who should take warfarin?

It is prescribed for people with certain types of irregular heartbeat, people with prosthetic (replacement or mechanical) heart valves, and people who have suffered a heart attack. Warfarin is also used to treat or prevent venous thrombosis (swelling and blood clot in a vein) and pulmonary embolism (a blood clot in the lung).

Is warfarin a blood thinner?

Warfarin is an anticoagulant (blood thinner). Warfarin reduces the formation of blood clots. Warfarin is used to treat or prevent blood clots in veins or arteries, which can reduce the risk of stroke, heart attack, or other serious conditions. Warfarin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

How does warfarin affect blood clots?

Warfarin is an anticoagulant drug you swallow to prevent and treat blood clots. You take it if you’re at risk of getting harmful blood clots in your body. Blood clots can keep blood from reaching your organs, which is how a heart attack or stroke happens. Your dose of warfarin will change based on results from frequent blood tests.

Does warfarin cause blood clots?

Warfarin is a type of medicine known as an anticoagulant. It helps to lower the risk of blood clots forming. Blood clots can cause serious health problems when they block blood vessels in the brain, lungs or legs. Why have you been prescribed warfarin? AF is an irregular heartbeat which can increase the risk of blood clots forming in the heart.

Warfarin References

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