Warfarin side effects are dangerous and put you at risk of heavy bleeding.
If you've been prescribed warfarin (Coumadin) to prevent blood clots, you probably already know that this powerful drug can save your life if you're at risk of or have had blood clots. But you may not realize how serious warfarin side effects can be. Warfarin, especially if taken incorrectly, increases your risk of dangerous bleeding. Warfarin also can interact badly with some foods, prescription medicines and over-the-counter supplements. If your doctor prescribes warfarin for you, make sure you understand all the potential warfarin side effects and interactions it could have.
When is warfarin (Coumadin) prescribed?
You might be given warfarin if you have:
- A blood clot in or near your heart that could trigger stroke, heart attack or organ damage
- A blood clot in your lungs (pulmonary embolism)
- A blood clot elsewhere in your body (venous thrombosis)
- A high risk of blood clots forming in the heart, such as in atrial fibrillation
- A mechanical artificial heart valve that is prone to forming blood clots
What warfarin side effects should you monitor?
When you take warfarin, your blood won't clot as easily. If you accidentally cut yourself while taking warfarin, you may bleed heavily. You're more likely to have bleeding problems if you're older than 75 or take other medications that can further increase your bleeding risk.
Notify your doctor right away if you experience any of these warfarin side effects:
- Severe bleeding
- Bleeding from the rectum or black stool
- Skin conditions such as hives, a rash or itching
- Swelling of the face, throat, mouth, legs, feet or hands
- Bruising that comes about without an injury you remember
- Chest pain or pressure
- Nausea or vomiting
- Fever or flu-like symptoms
- Joint or muscle aches
- Diarrhea
- Difficulty moving
- Numbness of tingling in any part of your body
- Painful erection lasting four hours or longer
Other less serious warfarin side effects that you should tell your doctor about include:
- Gas
- Feeling cold
- Fatigue
- Pale skin
- Changes in the way foods taste
- Hair loss
Although rare, warfarin can also cause skin tissue death (necrosis) and gangrene requiring amputation. This complication most often happens three to eight days after you start taking warfarin. If you notice any sores, changes in skin color or temperature, or severe pain on your skin, notify your doctor immediately.
Make the most of your time at home
Time spent at home doesn't have to be "couch potato" time. To fit more physical activity into your home life:
- Wake up early. Get up 30 minutes earlier than you normally do and use the extra time to walk on your treadmill or take a brisk walk around the neighborhood. Some research suggests that people who exercise in the morning are more likely than are others to stick with it. If you're too stiff in the morning, however, wait to exercise until later in the day.
- Make household chores count. Mop the floor, scrub the bathtub or do other housework at a pace fast enough to get your heart pumping. Outdoor work counts, too. Mowing the lawn with a push mower is a great way to burn calories. Raking and hoeing strengthen your arms and back, and digging works your arms and legs.
- Be active while watching TV. Use hand weights, ride a stationary bike or do a stretching routine during your favorite shows. Get off the couch to change the channel or adjust the volume.
- Involve the whole family. Take group walks before or after dinner. Play catch. Ride your bikes. It's best to build up to about 30 minutes of continuous activity, but you can exercise in shorter bursts, too.
- Get your dog into the act. Take daily walks with Fido or Fluffy. If you don't have a dog, borrow one. An enthusiastic dog may give you the motivation you need to lace up your walking shoes.
Work out at work
To fit in more physical activity while you're on the job:
- Make the most of your commute. Walk or bike to work. If you ride the bus, get off a few blocks early and walk the rest of the way.
- Take the stairs whenever you can. If you have a meeting on another floor, get off the elevator a few floors early and use the stairs. Better yet, skip the elevator entirely.
- Take fitness breaks. Rather than hanging out in the lounge with coffee or a snack, take a short walk.
- Start a lunchtime walking group with your co-workers. The regular routine and the support of your co-workers may help you stick with the program.
- Schedule physical activity as you would any other appointment during the day. Don't change your exercise plans for every interruption that comes along. Remind yourself that physical activity is important, too.
- If you travel for work, plan ahead. Bring your jump-rope or choose a hotel that has fitness facilities. If you're stuck in an airport waiting for a plane, grab your bags and take a walk.
There's no single best way to fit physical activity into your day. Your lifestyle, job and family responsibilities will point to the most convenient time and place for fitness. Do what works for you — and make daily physical activity a habit you keep.
Last Updated: 01/18/2008
