Pros & Cons
What are the pros and cons of warfarin?
- A generic is available at a very low cost.
- There are a lot of clinical studies and data on warfarin since it has been around for a long time.
- Once-a-day dosing is convenient and suitable for compliance.
- Different strengths have different colors, making it easier to recognize if you are using tablets of different strengths to make up the prescribed warfarin dose.
- The antidote is widely available in most hospitals in an emergency, and a reversal agent is needed.
- Oral warfarin tablets can be cut in half.
- Very high risk of major bleeding events—patients taking warfarin should seek emergency medical care after falls or accidents.
- Extensive interactions with a lot of drugs, foods, and supplements.
- Only effective in preventing new blood clots from forming or getting bigger, not indicated for treating existing blood clots.
- Frequent INR is required to ensure the most accurate dose of warfarin.
- Any changes in lifestyle and diet may lead to a need for a dose adjustment.
- Not to be used in people with very high blood pressure, recent surgery, or any conditions that can increase the risk of bleeding.
- Not safe to be used in pregnant women, as warfarin can cause birth defects.
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