Patient was educated on contraindications for using Warfarin as follows:
- Warfarin is mainly metabolized by the liver. Individuals with history of compromised liver function cannot metabolize Warfarin and this can lead to increased blood levels of Warfarin for longer duration, leading to toxicity and episodes of bleeding. Warfarin should be avoided or used with extreme caution in such individuals.
- Warfarin is mainly excreted in the urine. Individuals with history of compromised renal functions tend to retain the drug in the circulation longer, thus resulting in toxicity and episodes of bleeding. Warfarin should be avoided or used with extreme caution in such individuals.
- Warfarin should be avoided in individuals taking NSAIDs and other blood thinners. Taking Warfarin along with NSAIDs or other blood thinners concurrently can significantly increase the risk for bleeding episodes.
- Warfarin should be avoided in individuals with any active bleeding from any wound or surgical site. Using Warfarin in such individuals can result in uncontrolled hemorrhage and blood loss.
- Avoid drinking grapefruit juice, while you are taking Warfarin. Grapefruit juice inhibits the metabolism of Warfarin and this can lead to increased blood levels of Warfarin for longer duration, leading to toxicity and episodes of bleeding.
- Do not consume alcohol, while you are taking Warfarin, as alcohol can increase the effects of blood thinner and consequently, make the blood extra thin, thus resulting episodes of hemorrhage and bleeding.
