(HealthDay News) — Warfarin is a drug that thins the blood to help prevent clots. But it can increase the risk of bleeding, even while you perform daily activities.
The U.S. National Library of Medicine suggests you practice these precautions while taking warfarin:
- Follow your doctor’s specific instructions, including taking the proper dose, for using the drug.
- Call your doctor for advice if you forget to take a dose.
- If you get your prescription and notice that the pills are a different color than usual, call your pharmacist or doctor. Different colors can indicate different dose strengths.
- Avoid drinking alcohol.
- Let your doctor know before you take any other medication, supplement or vitamin.
- Tell all medical professionals, including your dentist, that you take warfarin. Discuss with your doctor wearing a bracelet or necklace that informs people that you take the drug.