Warfarin is a blood-thinning medication that is used to prevent blood clot formations in your heart, legs, lungs, arteries and veins. In the unfortunate occurrence of a blood clot formation, a heart attack, stroke or pulmonary embolism (condition characterized by extreme difficulty breathing due to a blood clot in the lungs) may result, states Drugs.com. Tell your doctor about the medications you are taking, because warfarin can potentially interact with them and lead to serious side effects.
Hemorrhage
According to RxList.com, warfarin can lead to severe bleeding of your tissues or organs. Hemorrhage can cause such complications as headache, joint pain, trouble breathing, muscle pain, low blood pressure and even shock (condition where your organs don't receive enough blood flow). Speak to your doctor if you experience any bleeding while on warfarin.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Avoid warfarin if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Drugs.com states that warfarin can cause birth defects in your baby. Tell your doctor about your pregnancy status and she will recommend another medication. Warfarin may also pass into breast milk and cause bleeding problems in your baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast feeding.
Necrosis and Thrombosis
RxList.com states that warfarin can lead to tissue and cellular death called necrosis. Because of this necrosis, local emboli (travelling blood clot) can form. This tissue destruction may make amputation necessary. Warfarin may make your already existing blood clots susceptible to movement. For example, a blood clot in your leg may break into tiny pieces called microemboli and "shower" your toes in a condition called purple toe syndrome where your toes actually turn purple. These emboli can also travel to other parts of your body and cause hypertension (high blood pressure), stomach pain, cerebral ischemia (lack of blood flow to your brain) and pain in your leg, feet or toes. Notify your doctor if you experience these symptoms.
Effects of Vitamin K
Avoid vitamin K-rich foods and supplements when taking warfarin. According to Drugs.com, it may make warfarin less effective. Some foods rich in vitamin K include broccoli, liver, cabbage and collards.
Priapism
Priapism is a painful erection that lasts for four or more hours Taking warfarin increases your risk for developing this troubling symptom. If left untreated, priapism can result in permanent penile dysfunction. This is a medical emergency, so get medical help immediately.
Overdose
Taking excessive amounts of warfarin can lead to such menacing symptoms as excessive bleeding from cuts or wounds, bloody urine or stool and heavy menstrual periods, states Drugs.com. Secure help immediately to counteract any further damage.
Rare Side Effects
You may seldom experience edema (swelling), fever, rash, yellowing of your skin, headache or vomiting when taking warfarin. Diarrhea, syncope (fainting spells), hair loss (also known as alopecia) and chills are some other rare side effects, states RxList.com.
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