Warfarin

(WAR far in)

What key warnings do I need to know about before giving this drug to my child?

• This drug may cause very bad bleeding. Follow how to use exactly. Closely read the part in this leaflet which lists when to call your doctor.
• Sometimes drugs are not safe when your child takes them with other drugs. They can cause bad side effects. This is one of those drugs. Be sure to talk to your child’s doctor about all the drugs your child takes.
• Please read the medication guide.

Is it safe for my child to take this drug?

• Not if your child has an allergy to warfarin or any other part of this drug.
• Be sure to let the doctor know if your child has any allergies or side effects to drugs, foods, or dyes. Make sure to tell about the allergy and what signs your child had. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other signs.
• Not if your child has any of these health problems: Bleeding problems or liver disease.

Why does my child need this drug?

• It is used to thin the blood so that clots will not form.

How does this drug work?

• Warfarin changes the body's clotting system. It thins the blood to stop clots from forming.

How is this drug given?

• Give as you have been told, even if your child is feeling better.
• Give this drug at the same time of day.
• To gain the most benefit, do not miss giving your child doses.
• Give this drug with or without food. Give with food if it causes an upset stomach.
• Keep your child's use of vitamin K the same from day to day. Talk with your child's doctor. Do not make changes in your child's normal diet. Give only little bits of green, leafy veggies (alfalfa, asparagus, broccoli, brussel sprouts, collard greens, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, lettuce, spinach, water cress), green tea, liver, and some veggie oils. Food like these may change how this drug works.

How long does this drug take to work?

• It may take a few weeks to see the full effect.

What do I do if my child misses a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)

• Give a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
• If it is close to the time for your child's next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your child's normal time.
• Do not give 2 doses or extra doses.
• Do not change the dose or stop this drug. Talk with the doctor.

What safety measures do I need to take when my child is using this drug?

• Have your child wear disease medical alert ID (identification).
• Use care to stop your child from getting hurt and have your child avoid falls or crashes.
• If your child has bleeding problems, talk with the doctor.
• If your child falls a lot, talk with the doctor.
• If your child has high blood pressure, talk with the doctor.
• If your child has kidney disease, talk with the doctor.
• If your child has had an ulcer or bleeding from the stomach or bowel, talk with the doctor.
• If your child has a weak heart, talk with the doctor.
• Have your child's blood work checked often. Talk with your child's doctor.
• Check all drugs your child is taking with your child's doctor. This drug may not mix well with some other drugs.
• Keep a list of all your child's drugs (prescription, natural products, vitamins, OTC) with you. Give this list to your child's doctor.
• Your child may bleed more easily. Have him/her be more careful and avoid injury. Wear a bike helmet, for example, while riding a bike.
• Talk to your child's doctor before giving your child multivitamins, natural products, and diet aids. These may have vitamin K in them.
• Tell dentists, surgeons, and other doctors that your child is using this drug.

What are some side effects of this drug?

• Bleeding problems.
• Belly pain.
• Upset stomach or throwing up. Many small meals and good mouth care may help. Older children may suck hard, sugar-free candy.

When do I need to call my child's doctor?

• If any of this news causes you to be worried, any of the unwanted side effects happen, or if your child is not better after taking this drug.
• If you think there was an overdose, call your local poison control center or ER right away.
• If your child shows signs of a very bad reaction, call your child's doctor or the ER right away. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; seizures; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or if your child is not acting normal.
• If your child has nosebleeds.
• If your child coughs up blood.
• If your child throws up blood.
• If your child has a change in thinking clearly and with logic.
• If your child has a bad headache.
• If your child has a very bad upset stomach or is throwing up.
• If your child has very bad back pain.
• If your child has very bad belly pain.
• If your child has black, tarry, or bloody stools.
• If your child has blood in the urine.
• If your child has a change in skin color to black or purple.
• If your child is feeling very tired or weak.
• If your child has any bruising or bleeding.
• If your child falls or hits his/her head. Talk with your child's doctor even if your child feels fine.
• If your child has very loose stools (diarrhea).
• If your child has an infection.
• If your child has a high fever.
• If your child gets a rash.
• If your child’s health problem does not get better or if you believe your child’s health problem is worse.

How do I store and/or throw out this drug?

• Store at room temperature.
• Protect from light.
• Protect from water. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.

General drug facts

• If your child has a very bad allergy, he/she needs to wear an allergy ID at all times.
• You may get this drug by drug order only. If there are refills, call your pharmacy. If your child does not have refills left, you may need to call your child's doctor.
• Get rid of this drug when your child no longer needs it or if the drug is outdated.
• Most drugs may be thrown away in household trash after mixing with coffee grounds or kitty litter and sealing in a plastic bag.
• In Canada, take any unused drugs to the pharmacy. Also, visit http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hl-vs/iyh-vsv/med/disposal-defaire-eng.php#th to learn about the right way to get rid of unused drugs.http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hl-vs/iyh-vsv/med/disposal-defaire-eng.php#th to learn about the right way to get rid of unused drugs.
• Do not share your child's drug with others and do not give anyone else's drug to your child.
• Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Keep a list of all your child's drugs (prescription, natural products, vitamins, OTC) with you. Give this list to your child's doctor.
• Call your doctor for help with any side effects. If in the U.S., you may also call the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or if in Canada, you may also call Health Canada's Vigilance Program at 1-866-234-2345.
• Talk with the doctor before giving your child any new drug, including OTC, natural products, or vitamins.
• If you do not use a drug the right way, it may not be safe. Follow what your child’s doctor tells you.

Copyright © 1978- Lexi-Comp Inc., The Children's Hospital, Denver, CO., and Pediatric Pharmacy Advocacy Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved. This information is protected under US and international copyright law. Unauthorized use or reproduction is prohibited.