What Condition Does Warfarin Sodium Treat and Its Price?

Warfarin Sodium is an anticoagulant that reduces the formation of blood clots. This medication comes as a tablet for oral use. The FDA has already approved this prescription.

What condition does Warfarin Sodium treat?

Warfarin Sodium is a prescription drug used for the treatment of blood clots. This also lowers your chance of having blood clots forming in your body. Blood clots may cause a heart attack, stroke, or other serious conditions if they form in your lungs or legs. This is prescribed by most doctors to:

Prevent and treat blood clots in parts of the body called deep vein thrombosis
Prevent and treat blood clots with heart valve replacement or atrial fibrillation
Reduce the risk of stroke or heart attack

How does Warfarin Sodium work?

The process of blood clotting is complex. It starts when it makes chemicals that activate clotting factors in the blood and when blood platelets clump together. The clotting factors are proteins that are produced by the liver and for their production, vitamin K is essential. The stimulated clotting factors cause fibrinogen to be converted into fibrin. It binds the platelets together and forms blood clots.

This medication reduces the action of vitamin K which prevents the production of the clotting factors. Fibrinogen is not able to convert into fibrin without the clotting factors. This makes the blood less able to clot because Warfarin Sodium has an anticoagulant or blood-thinning effect.

What is the dosage of Warfarin Sodium?

The recommended dosage of this medication for you to take will be given by your doctor. It will be according to your medical condition and response to the treatment.

The usual Warfarin Sodium dose is 10 mg each day for the first two days.
The day after your first treatment, you may have between 3 mg and 9 mg.
If you have a blood clot in your lungs or legs, you will probably take a short course of Warfarin Sodium for 6 weeks to 6 months.
If you take this medicine to lessen your risk of having a blood clot in the future or you keep getting a blood clot, your treatment will be for longer than 6 months or even for longer-term.

It is very important to take this medicine as directed by your doctor. Take it once each day at about the same time. This medicine usually does not upset your stomach, so you can take it whether with or without food. Your dosage might change frequently especially in the first few weeks of usage until your doctor finds the right dose for you. If you often forget to take a dose, call your doctor right away. Your blood clot could be affected and it might become thicker and put you at risk of having a blood clot.

What are the precautions in using Warfarin Sodium?

This may reason for stomach bleeding. Regular use of alcohol will increase your risk of stomach bleeding. You need to limit your alcoholic intake.
For pregnant women, this medication is not recommended for use.
If you are a breastfeeding woman, consult your physician before taking a dose of this medicine.
Older adults may be at greater risk for bleeding while having this medication.
This medicine can cause heavy bleeding. To decrease the chance of being injured or bruised, be careful with sharp objects.
Avoid also activities such as contact sports. If you injure yourself or fall especially if you hit your head, call your doctor right away.
Tell your doctor if you have a medical history of blood vessel disorders, blood disorders, bleeding problems, and mental/mood disorders.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist what prescription non-prescription medications, herbal products, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
Call for medical assistance right away if you have signs of an allergic reaction. Some signs of allergic reactions are hives, trouble breathing, and swelling of the face, throat, or tongue.

Price of Warfarin Sodium vs. Coumadin

The generic Warfarin Sodium is a lot cheaper than the branded name Coumadin. Warfarin Sodium only costs:

What Condition Does Warfarin Sodium Treat and Its Price?