Comments for Consumers
This page/column contains information which may be of interest to consumers. The information is based on articles which appear in Australian Prescriber. As Australian Prescriber is written for health professionals, you should discuss any issues raised by this page/column with your doctor or pharmacist. They will be able to give a more detailed answer to your questions by reading the main article.
Australian Prescriber is unable to comment on individual cases or give second opinions.
Australian Prescriber Vol. 25 No. 4 2002
Warfarin, antiplatelet drugs and their interactions
Warfarin is a medicine which makes blood take longer to clot. Common reasons why people might take warfarin are blood clots (e.g. DVT), artificial heart valves or stroke prevention. Sometimes when people take warfarin the blood takes too long to clot and this can lead to bleeding. People taking warfarin have to have a regular blood test to check how long it takes their blood to clot.
Other medicines such as aspirin can also make bleeding stop more slowly. If these medicines are taken with warfarin there is a risk of serious bleeding. Some people will die from bleeding stomach ulcers.
Patients taking warfarin need to have their blood tested more often if they take another medication. They should always tell their doctor or pharmacist if they are going to start another medication, including herbal medicines.
Although there may be good reasons for taking aspirin and warfarin, this should only be done under medical supervision with regular check ups.
See also:
The perioperative management of anticoagulation
Australian Prescriber Vol. 23 No. 1 2000
Managing warfarin therapy in the community
Australian Prescriber Vol. 24 No. 4 2001
