Is warfarin dangerous?

Question

Should I inform my physician I would prefer not to take warfarin

Answer 1

Yes, PLEASE tell your physician that you would prefer not to take warfarin. I work with patients (I'm a cardiac RN) that take Coumadin on a regular basis, and I fear the consequences of not telling your doctor.
Let me explain why:
1.Your doctors plan for your care assumes that you won't get clots, because it assumes that you are taking coumadin; your doctor will assume that your ok, and will unknowingly put you at risk
2. Not knowing your history, I can only assume that you have had some procedure done (be it heart bypass, or valve surgery, atrial fibrillation, etc). You can undo any benefits that you have gained from these procedures, and may need to repeat these procedure or worse ones.
3. Most people stop taking Coumadin because of all the bruising and easy bleeding. If you are bleeding/bruising too much, the doctor may be able to cut down on the amount of Coumadin, thus relieving some of your problems. Stopping Coumadin, will take away the bruising, but risks too many risks if the doctor doesn't know about it.

I see many people come in to the hopsital because they have changed their medications (or stopped taking all of them) on their own, and haven't told their doc. Coumadin is one of the most common of these. You may risk needing more hospital visits than you might now need, and may having a worsening of your condition.

TAKE COUMADIN OR NOT, IT IS TOO RISKY NOT TO TELL YOUR DOC

Answer 2

Warfarin is a blood thinner. When you're taking warfarin, you are tested regularly to ensure that the blood is thinned just the right amount. You might need warfarin if you have had heart valve replacement or if you suffer from atrial fibrillation. One of the disadvantages of warfarin is that if you suffer trauma in an accident, you will bleed a lot more than if you weren't taking it. This includes external and internal bleeding. Some blood thinners are less dangerous for example Plavix plus aspirin. In any case, your physician is the expert. If you don't trust his advice, then get a second opinion from another doctor.

Answer 3

Warfarin, or Coumadin is a blood thinner that many people are on that have Pulmonary Embolisms or Deep vien thrombosis. If your doctor thinks you need to be on it, then listen to him. Warfarin does have some side affects and there is a list of foods u need to stay away from that will be in a pamphlet for you when you go home. The biggest is staying away from foods containing vit. K, like spinach, because vit. K will do the opposite of coumadin and clot your blood.

Answer 4

Warfarin, also known as coumadin, is a blood thinner. It can save lives that might otherwise be lost due to blood clots. But you will have to have your blood monitored frequently for as long as you are on it to make sure that you have the right dosage. You may also be told to avoid hazardous activities (because of the risk of excessive bleeding).

I think you need to talk carefully to the doctor who recommended it about the pluses and minuses for your case, because deciding whether to take it involves balancing your current health condition with the risks and benefits of warfarin.

Answer 5

Like all drugs (remember that Vioxx killled more Americans than the terrorists did on 9/11) warfarin is dangerous. It is also the active ingredient in rat poison. Site below has natural cures with foods for many health problems.

http://www.phifoundation.org/cure.html

Answer 6

Many drugs are dangerous, warfarin more than most because so many things both foods and drugs interact with it and because of the risk of uncontrolled bleeding both from external wounds and internally, but I take it any way because I can and am closely monitered by my docter and would rather go for weekly blood test than take the enormous odds I have of suffering a major stroke without it. It is an individual choice as to what is best for you and which you would rather risk. Talk with your docter about your concerns.

Answer 7

Warfarin is a blood thinner. It has a huge number of side effects, but is one of the only oral drugs of its kind. If you need to take a drug to prevent blood clots, your choices may be limited depending on your diagnosis. Check with your doctor!!!

Answer 8

its a blood thinner it is used to treat clotting problems, ppl with heart attack and stroke and heart failure its a key ingredient in rat poison from my clinical experience, its a bad drug, but necessary. they are coming out with some better ones, like pradaxa, which are safer and dont require as much monitoring, but they are not FDA approved for all the things that warfarin is used for right now

Answer 9

i had to take it or i would have died from blood clots..im sure any meds are dangerous..they monitor yourdose.im glad i did but thats just me

Answer 10

yes