Effects of Warfarin

[LindaTX]

Can warfarin weaken blood vessels or have adverse effects on the heart or other organs over time?

[erijon]

The major side effect of warfarin is simply bleeding. This is generally minimal as long at the PT/INR is kept in the therapeutic range. People on warfarin, even at desireable levels, may notice that they bruise more easily than usual. Otherwise, warfarin is well tolerated.

Side effects which sometimes occur include:

Hair loss
Nausea, vomiting, cramping or diarrhea (these are quite uncommon).
Low white blood cell counts.

These effects however are quite uncommon. As with other medications, other "rare" side effects have been reported. You should ask your physician if you have any concerns about whether these or different side effects may be occurring. I could find nothing about long term side effects that are any different.

I hope this helps,

Jon

[LindaTX]

I started coumadin a few months ago for a-fib and I am on it indefinitely.  I was just wondering if staying on it long term messes up your blood vessels or has a detrimental effect on your heart or liver or any other organ.  In other words, will it make your organs or blood vessels deteriorate?

[ed34]

You may as well read the whole web site yourself....

http://www.coumadin.com/for_hcp.aspx

[mammo]

COUMADIN® TABLETS
(warfarin sodium) Tablets, USP Crystalline

WARNING: BLEEDING RISK

Warfarin sodium can cause major or fatal bleeding. Bleeding is more likely to occur during the starting period and with a higher dose (resulting in a higher INR). Risk factors for bleeding include high intensity of anticoagulation (INR > 4.0), age ≥ 65, highly variable INRs, history of gastrointestinal bleeding, hypertension, cerebrovascular disease, serious heart disease, anemia, malignancy, trauma, renal insufficiency, concomitant drugs (see PRECAUTIONS), and long duration of warfarin therapy. Regular monitoring of INR should be performed on all treated patients. Those at high risk of bleeding may benefit from more frequent INR monitoring, careful dose adjustment to desired INR, and a shorter duration of therapy. Patients should be instructed about prevention measures to minimize risk of bleeding and to report immediately to physicians signs and symptoms of bleeding

[ed34]

Warfarin works by reducing clotting agents present in the blood which means you are more prone to bleeding. You should watch for blood in your faeces and try not to bruise yourself too much. It is also a good idea to have regular blood tests for checking Liver function. Are you on Warfarin long term?