Warfarin Flashcards
establish reason for consultation
recent AF
VTE
mechanical heart valve
what and when
tablet
OD in evening, same time each day
what it does
decrease blood tendency to clot (by preventing vitK dependent production of clotting factors)
how long on warfarin for
VTE & known risk = 3 months
no known risk = 6 months
recurrent = life
AF/mechanical valve = life
side effects
bleeding
blood in stool, urine, severe bruising, nosebleeds
safety netting warfarin
fall, blow to head, experience severe side effects
inform Dr/dentist before procedures
avoid contact sports
monitoring warfarin
INR daily until therapeutic range (2-3) –> twice weekly –> weekly –> 12-weekly
keep track on INR in yellow book
CIs
pregnancy
uncontrolled HTN
haemorrhagic stroke
bleeding disorders
med interactions
avoid aspirin & ibuprofen
food containing vitK (leafy greens)