Anticoagulants are used to treat a wide range of medical conditions. They are commonly prescribed to patients with deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE), and atrial fibrillation (AFib). DVT occurs when a blood clot forms in a deep vein, usually in the leg. PE occurs when a blood clot breaks free and travels to the lungs, where it can cause serious breathing problems. AFib is an irregular heartbeat that can lead to blood clots forming in the heart and potentially causing strokes.
Warfarin is an oral Anticoagulant that has been used for many years. It works by inhibiting the production of vitamin K-dependent clotting factors in the liver. Warfarin requires regular monitoring of blood clotting levels and can interact with many other medications and foods. Patients taking warfarin need to follow a strict diet and avoid activities that could lead to injury, as bleeding complications can be serious.
