What is Warfarin and why is it prescribed?
Warfarin is an anticoagulant (blood thinner). It is prescribed to: prevent and/or treat a blood clot that has formed within a blood vessel or in the lungs, prevent and/or treat blood clots associated with certain heart conditions or replacement of a heart valve, aid in the prevention of blood clots that may form in blood vessels anywhere in the body after a heart attack, and reduce the risk of death, another heart attack, or stroke after a heart attack. The most serious risks associated with Warfarin treatment are hemorrhage in any tissue or organ and, less frequently, the destruction of skin tissue cells or gangrene. The risk of hemorrhage usually depends on the dosage and length of treatment with this drug. Hemorrhage and necrosis have been reported to result in death or permanent disability. Severe necrosis can lead to the removal of damaged tissue or amputation of a limb. Necrosis appears to be associated with blood clots located in the area of tissue damage and usually occurs with
