Top of the page

warfarin (oral)

Pronunciation: WAR far in

Brand: Coumadin, Jantoven

Coumadin

slide 1 of 77, Coumadin,

4 mg, round, blue, imprinted with COUMADIN 4

Image of Coumadin
slide 1 of 77

Coumadin

slide 2 of 77, Coumadin,

1 mg, round, pink, imprinted with COUMADIN 1

Image of Coumadin
slide 2 of 77

Coumadin

slide 3 of 77, Coumadin,

2 mg, round, lavender, imprinted with COUMADIN 2

Image of Coumadin
slide 3 of 77

Coumadin

slide 4 of 77, Coumadin,

5 mg, round, peach, imprinted with COUMADIN 5

Image of Coumadin
slide 4 of 77

Coumadin

slide 5 of 77, Coumadin,

7.5 mg, round, yellow, imprinted with COUMADIN 7 1/2

Image of Coumadin
slide 5 of 77

Coumadin

slide 6 of 77, Coumadin,

10 mg, round, white, imprinted with COUMADIN 10

Image of Coumadin
slide 6 of 77

Coumadin

slide 7 of 77, Coumadin,

2.5 mg, round, green, imprinted with COUMADIN 2 1/2

Image of Coumadin
slide 7 of 77

Coumadin

slide 8 of 77, Coumadin,

3 mg, round, beige, imprinted with COUMADIN 3

Image of Coumadin
slide 8 of 77

Coumadin

slide 9 of 77, Coumadin,

6 mg, round, turquoise, imprinted with COUMADIN 6

Image of Coumadin
slide 9 of 77

Warfarin Sodium

slide 10 of 77, Warfarin Sodium,

1 mg, capsule, pink, imprinted with TV 1, 1712

Image of Warfarin Sodium
slide 10 of 77

Warfarin Sodium

slide 11 of 77, Warfarin Sodium,

2.5 mg, capsule, green, imprinted with TV 2 1/2, 1714

Image of Warfarin Sodium
slide 11 of 77

Warfarin Sodium

slide 12 of 77, Warfarin Sodium,

3 mg, capsule, tan, imprinted with TV 3, 1715

Image of Warfarin Sodium
slide 12 of 77

Warfarin Sodium

slide 13 of 77, Warfarin Sodium,

4 mg, capsule, blue, imprinted with TV 4, 1716

Image of Warfarin Sodium
slide 13 of 77

Warfarin Sodium

slide 14 of 77, Warfarin Sodium,

6 mg, oval, turquoise, imprinted with TV 6, 1718

Image of Warfarin Sodium
slide 14 of 77

Warfarin Sodium

slide 15 of 77, Warfarin Sodium,

7.5 mg, capsule, yellow, imprinted with TV 7 1/2, 1719

Image of Warfarin Sodium
slide 15 of 77

Warfarin Sodium

slide 16 of 77, Warfarin Sodium,

10 mg, oval, white, imprinted with TV 10, 1720

Image of Warfarin Sodium
slide 16 of 77

Warfarin Sodium

slide 17 of 77, Warfarin Sodium,

5 mg, capsule, peach, imprinted with TV 5, 1721

Image of Warfarin Sodium
slide 17 of 77

Warfarin Sodium

slide 18 of 77, Warfarin Sodium,

1 mg, oval, pink, imprinted with 1, WARFARIN TARO

Image of Warfarin Sodium
slide 18 of 77

Warfarin Sodium

slide 19 of 77, Warfarin Sodium,

2 mg, oval, lavender, imprinted with WARFARIN TARO, 2

Image of Warfarin Sodium
slide 19 of 77

Warfarin Sodium

slide 20 of 77, Warfarin Sodium,

2.5 mg, capsule, green, imprinted with 2 1 2, WARFARIN TARO

Image of Warfarin Sodium
slide 20 of 77

Warfarin Sodium

slide 21 of 77, Warfarin Sodium,

3 mg, oval, beige, imprinted with 3, WARFARIN TARO

Image of Warfarin Sodium
slide 21 of 77

Warfarin Sodium

slide 22 of 77, Warfarin Sodium,

4 mg, oval, blue, imprinted with 4, WARFARIN TARO

Image of Warfarin Sodium
slide 22 of 77

Warfarin Sodium

slide 23 of 77, Warfarin Sodium,

5 mg, capsule, peach, imprinted with WARFARIN TARO, 5

Image of Warfarin Sodium
slide 23 of 77

Warfarin Sodium

slide 24 of 77, Warfarin Sodium,

6 mg, oval, turquoise, imprinted with 6, WARFARIN TARO

Image of Warfarin Sodium
slide 24 of 77

Warfarin Sodium

slide 25 of 77, Warfarin Sodium,

7.5 mg, oval, yellow, imprinted with 7 1-2, WARFARIN TARO

Image of Warfarin Sodium
slide 25 of 77

Warfarin Sodium

slide 26 of 77, Warfarin Sodium,

10 mg, oval, white, imprinted with 10, WARFARIN TARO

Image of Warfarin Sodium
slide 26 of 77

Warfarin Sodium

slide 27 of 77, Warfarin Sodium,

4 mg, round, blue, imprinted with I G, W 4

Image of Warfarin Sodium
slide 27 of 77

Warfarin Sodium

slide 28 of 77, Warfarin Sodium,

1 mg, oval, pink, imprinted with 761 1, AN

Image of Warfarin Sodium
slide 28 of 77

Warfarin Sodium

slide 29 of 77, Warfarin Sodium,

2 mg, oval, lavender, imprinted with 762 2, AN

Image of Warfarin Sodium
slide 29 of 77

Warfarin Sodium

slide 30 of 77, Warfarin Sodium,

2.5 mg, oval, green, imprinted with 763 2 1/2, AN

Image of Warfarin Sodium
slide 30 of 77

Warfarin Sodium

slide 31 of 77, Warfarin Sodium,

5 mg, oval, peach, imprinted with 766 5, AN

Image of Warfarin Sodium
slide 31 of 77

Warfarin Sodium

slide 32 of 77, Warfarin Sodium,

7.5 mg, oval, yellow, imprinted with 768 7 1/2, AN

Image of Warfarin Sodium
slide 32 of 77

Warfarin Sodium

slide 33 of 77, Warfarin Sodium,

10 mg, oval, white, imprinted with 769 10, AN

Image of Warfarin Sodium
slide 33 of 77

Coumadin

slide 34 of 77, Coumadin,

2 mg, round, lavender, imprinted with COUMADIN 2

Image of Coumadin
slide 34 of 77

Warfarin Sodium

slide 35 of 77, Warfarin Sodium,

1 mg, oval, pink, imprinted with WAR 1

Image of Warfarin Sodium
slide 35 of 77

Warfarin Sodium

slide 36 of 77, Warfarin Sodium,

2 mg, oval, purple, imprinted with WAR 2

Image of Warfarin Sodium
slide 36 of 77

Warfarin Sodium

slide 37 of 77, Warfarin Sodium,

3 mg, oval, brown, imprinted with WAR 3

Image of Warfarin Sodium
slide 37 of 77

Warfarin Sodium

slide 38 of 77, Warfarin Sodium,

4 mg, oval, blue, imprinted with WAR 4

Image of Warfarin Sodium
slide 38 of 77

Warfarin Sodium

slide 39 of 77, Warfarin Sodium,

5 mg, oval, orange, imprinted with WAR 5

Image of Warfarin Sodium
slide 39 of 77

Warfarin Sodium

slide 40 of 77, Warfarin Sodium,

6 mg, oval, green, imprinted with WAR 6

Image of Warfarin Sodium
slide 40 of 77

Warfarin Sodium

slide 41 of 77, Warfarin Sodium,

7.5 mg, oval, yellow, imprinted with WAR 7 1/2

Image of Warfarin Sodium
slide 41 of 77

Warfarin Sodium

slide 42 of 77, Warfarin Sodium,

10 mg, oval, white, imprinted with WAR 10

Image of Warfarin Sodium
slide 42 of 77

Warfarin Sodium

slide 43 of 77, Warfarin Sodium,

2.5 mg, oval, green, imprinted with WAR 2 1/2

Image of Warfarin Sodium
slide 43 of 77

Warfarin Sodium

slide 44 of 77, Warfarin Sodium,

1 mg, round, pink, imprinted with l G, W 1

Image of Warfarin Sodium
slide 44 of 77

Warfarin Sodium

slide 45 of 77, Warfarin Sodium,

2 mg, round, lavender, imprinted with l G, W 2

Image of Warfarin Sodium
slide 45 of 77

Warfarin Sodium

slide 46 of 77, Warfarin Sodium,

2.5 mg, round, green, imprinted with l G, W 2 1/2

Image of Warfarin Sodium
slide 46 of 77

Warfarin Sodium

slide 47 of 77, Warfarin Sodium,

3 mg, round, brown, imprinted with I G, W 3

Image of Warfarin Sodium
slide 47 of 77

Warfarin Sodium

slide 48 of 77, Warfarin Sodium,

4 mg, round, blue, imprinted with I G, W 4

Image of Warfarin Sodium
slide 48 of 77

Warfarin Sodium

slide 49 of 77, Warfarin Sodium,

5 mg, round, peach, imprinted with l G, W 5

Image of Warfarin Sodium
slide 49 of 77

Warfarin Sodium

slide 50 of 77, Warfarin Sodium,

6 mg, round, turquoise, imprinted with I G, W 6

Image of Warfarin Sodium
slide 50 of 77

Warfarin Sodium

slide 51 of 77, Warfarin Sodium,

7.5 mg, round, yellow, imprinted with I G, W 7 1/2

Image of Warfarin Sodium
slide 51 of 77

Warfarin Sodium

slide 52 of 77, Warfarin Sodium,

10 mg, round, white, imprinted with I G, W 10

Image of Warfarin Sodium
slide 52 of 77

Coumadin

slide 53 of 77, Coumadin,

1 mg, round, pink, imprinted with Dupont, COUMADIN 1

Image of Coumadin
slide 53 of 77

Coumadin

slide 54 of 77, Coumadin,

10 mg, round, white, imprinted with DuPont, COUMADIN 10

Image of Coumadin
slide 54 of 77

Coumadin

slide 55 of 77, Coumadin,

2 mg, round, lavender, imprinted with DuPont, COUMADIN 2

Image of Coumadin
slide 55 of 77

Coumadin

slide 56 of 77, Coumadin,

2.5 mg, round, green, imprinted with DuPont, COUMADIN 2 1/2

Image of Coumadin
slide 56 of 77

Coumadin

slide 57 of 77, Coumadin,

3 mg, round, beige, imprinted with DuPont, COUMADIN 3

Image of Coumadin
slide 57 of 77

Coumadin

slide 58 of 77, Coumadin,

4 mg, round, blue, imprinted with DuPont, COUMADIN 4

Image of Coumadin
slide 58 of 77

Coumadin

slide 59 of 77, Coumadin,

5 mg, round, peach, imprinted with DuPont, COUMADIN 5

Image of Coumadin
slide 59 of 77

Coumadin

slide 60 of 77, Coumadin,

6 mg, round, turquoise, imprinted with DuPont, COUMADIN 6

Image of Coumadin
slide 60 of 77

Coumadin

slide 61 of 77, Coumadin,

7.5 mg, round, yellow, imprinted with DuPont, COUMADIN 7 1/2

Image of Coumadin
slide 61 of 77

Warfarin Sodium

slide 62 of 77, Warfarin Sodium,

1 mg, oval, pink, imprinted with 1, WARFARIN TARO

Image of Warfarin Sodium
slide 62 of 77

Warfarin Sodium

slide 63 of 77, Warfarin Sodium,

10 mg, oval, white, imprinted with barr, 835 10

Image of Warfarin Sodium
slide 63 of 77

Warfarin Sodium

slide 64 of 77, Warfarin Sodium,

1 mg, elliptical, pink, imprinted with barr, 831 1

Image of Warfarin Sodium
slide 64 of 77

Warfarin Sodium

slide 65 of 77, Warfarin Sodium,

2 mg, capsule, lavender, imprinted with TV 2, 1713

Image of Warfarin Sodium
slide 65 of 77

Warfarin Sodium

slide 66 of 77, Warfarin Sodium,

2 mg, square, lavender, imprinted with INV 310, 2

Image of Warfarin Sodium
slide 66 of 77

Warfarin Sodium

slide 67 of 77, Warfarin Sodium,

2 mg, oval, lavender, imprinted with barr, 869 2

Image of Warfarin Sodium
slide 67 of 77

Warfarin Sodium

slide 68 of 77, Warfarin Sodium,

2.5 mg, square, green, imprinted with INV 311, 2.5

Image of Warfarin Sodium
slide 68 of 77

Warfarin Sodium

slide 69 of 77, Warfarin Sodium,

2.5 mg, oval, green, imprinted with barr, 832 2 1/2

Image of Warfarin Sodium
slide 69 of 77

Warfarin Sodium

slide 70 of 77, Warfarin Sodium,

3 mg, oval, tan, imprinted with barr, 925 3

Image of Warfarin Sodium
slide 70 of 77

Warfarin Sodium

slide 71 of 77, Warfarin Sodium,

4 mg, oval, blue, imprinted with barr, 874 4

Image of Warfarin Sodium
slide 71 of 77

Warfarin Sodium

slide 72 of 77, Warfarin Sodium,

4 mg, oval, blue, imprinted with 4, WARFARIN TARO

Image of Warfarin Sodium
slide 72 of 77

Warfarin Sodium

slide 73 of 77, Warfarin Sodium,

5 mg, square, peach, imprinted with INV 313, 5

Image of Warfarin Sodium
slide 73 of 77

Warfarin Sodium

slide 74 of 77, Warfarin Sodium,

5 mg, oval, peach, imprinted with barr, 833 5

Image of Warfarin Sodium
slide 74 of 77

Warfarin Sodium

slide 75 of 77, Warfarin Sodium,

6 mg, oval, blue, imprinted with barr, 926 6

Image of Warfarin Sodium
slide 75 of 77

Warfarin Sodium

slide 76 of 77, Warfarin Sodium,

7.5 mg, oval, yellow, imprinted with barr, 834 7 1/2

Image of Warfarin Sodium
slide 76 of 77

Warfarin Sodium

slide 77 of 77, Warfarin Sodium,

7.5 mg, oval, yellow, imprinted with 7 1-2, WARFARIN TARO

Image of Warfarin Sodium
slide 77 of 77

What is the most important information I should know about warfarin?

You should not take warfarin if you are prone to bleeding because of a medical condition, if you have an upcoming surgery, or if you need a spinal tap or epidural. Do not take warfarin if you cannot take it on time every day.

Warfarin increases your risk of severe or fatal bleeding, especially if you have certain medical conditions, if you are 65 or older, or if you have had a stroke, or bleeding in your stomach or intestines. Seek emergency help if you have any bleeding that will not stop.

Call your doctor at once if you have other signs of bleeding such as: swelling, pain, feeling very weak or dizzy, unusual bruising, bleeding gums, nosebleeds, heavy menstrual periods or abnormal vaginal bleeding, blood in your urine, bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds.

Many other drugs can increase your risk of bleeding when used with warfarin. Tell your doctor about all medicines you have recently used.

Avoid making any changes in your diet without first talking to your doctor. Some foods can make warfarin less effective.

What is warfarin?

Warfarin is an anticoagulant (blood thinner). Warfarin reduces the formation of blood clots.

Warfarin is used to treat or prevent blood clots in veins or arteries, which can reduce the risk of stroke, heart attack, or other serious conditions.

Warfarin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking warfarin?

You should not take warfarin if you are allergic to it, or if:

  • you have very high blood pressure;
  • you recently had or will have surgery on your brain, spine, or eye;
  • you undergo a spinal tap or spinal anesthesia (epidural); or
  • you cannot take warfarin on time every day.

You also should not take warfarin if you are are prone to bleeding because of a medical condition, such as:

  • a blood cell disorder (such as low red blood cells or low platelets);
  • ulcers or bleeding in your stomach, intestines, lungs, or urinary tract;
  • an aneurysm or bleeding in the brain; or
  • an infection of the lining of your heart.

Do not take warfarin if you are pregnant, unless your doctor tells you to. Warfarin can cause birth defects, but preventing blood clots may outweigh any risks to the baby. If you are not pregnant, use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while taking warfarin and for at least 1 month after your last dose. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.

Warfarin can make you bleed more easily, especially if you have ever had:

  • high blood pressure or serious heart disease;
  • kidney disease;
  • cancer or low blood cell counts;
  • an accident or surgery;
  • bleeding in your stomach or intestines;
  • a stroke; or
  • if you are 65 or older.

To make sure warfarin is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:

  • diabetes;
  • congestive heart failure;
  • liver disease, kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis);
  • a hereditary clotting deficiency; or
  • low blood platelets after receiving heparin.

It is not known whether warfarin passes into breast milk. Watch for signs of bruising or bleeding in the baby if you take warfarin while you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take warfarin?

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Do not take warfarin in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than your doctor tells you to.

Take warfarin at the same time every day, with or without food. Never take a double dose.

Warfarin can make it easier for you to bleed. Seek emergency help if you have any bleeding that will not stop.

You will need frequent "INR" or prothrombin time tests (to measure your blood-clotting time and determine your warfarin dose). You must remain under the care of a doctor while taking warfarin.

If you receive warfarin in a hospital, call or visit your doctor 3 to 7 days after you leave the hospital. Your INR will need to be tested at that time. Do not miss any follow-up appointments.

Tell your doctor if you are sick with diarrhea, fever, chills, or flu symptoms, or if your body weight changes.

You may need to stop taking warfarin 5 to 7 days before having any surgery, dental work, or a medical procedure. Call your doctor for instructions.

Wear a medical alert tag or carry an ID card stating that you take warfarin. Any medical care provider who treats you should know that you are taking this medicine.

Store at room temperature away from heat, moisture, and light.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. An overdose can cause excessive bleeding.

What should I avoid while taking warfarin?

Avoid activities that may increase your risk of bleeding or injury. Use extra care to prevent bleeding while shaving or brushing your teeth. You may still bleed more easily for several days after you stop taking warfarin.

Avoid making any changes in your diet without first talking to your doctor. Foods that are high in vitamin K (liver, leafy green vegetables, or vegetable oils) can make warfarin less effective. If these foods are part of your diet, eat a consistent amount on a weekly basis.

Grapefruit juice, cranberry juice, noni juice, and pomegranate juice may interact with warfarin and lead to unwanted side effects. Avoid the use of these juice products while taking warfarin.

Avoid drinking alcohol.

Ask your doctor before using any medicine for pain, arthritis, fever, or swelling. This includes aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), celecoxib (Celebrex), diclofenac, indomethacin, meloxicam, and others. These medicines may affect blood clotting and may also increase your risk of stomach bleeding.

What are the possible side effects of warfarin?

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Warfarin increases your risk of bleeding, which can be severe or life-threatening. Call your doctor at once if you have any signs of bleeding such as:

  • sudden headache, feeling very weak or dizzy;
  • swelling, pain, unusual bruising;
  • bleeding gums, nosebleeds;
  • bleeding from wounds or needle injections that will not stop;
  • heavy menstrual periods or abnormal vaginal bleeding;
  • blood in your urine, bloody or tarry stools; or
  • coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds.

Clots formed by warfarin may block normal blood flow, which could lead to tissue death or amputation of the affected body part. Get medical help at once if you have:

  • pain, swelling, hot or cold feeling, skin changes, or discoloration anywhere on your body; or
  • sudden and severe leg or foot pain, foot ulcer, purple toes or fingers.

Bleeding is the most common side effect of warfarin.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect warfarin?

Many drugs (including some over-the-counter medicines and herbal products) can affect your INR and may increase the risk of bleeding if you take them with warfarin. Not all possible drug interactions are listed in this medication guide. It is very important to ask your doctor and pharmacist before you start or stop using any other medicine, especially:

  • other medicines to prevent blood clots;
  • an antibiotic or antifungal medicine;
  • supplements that contain vitamin K; or
  • herbal (botanical) products --coenzyme Q10, cranberry, echinacea, garlic, ginkgo biloba, ginseng, goldenseal, or St. John's wort.

This list is not complete and many other drugs can interact with warfarin. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Give a list of all your medicines to any healthcare provider who treats you.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about warfarin.

Top of the page

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.