WARFARIN 0.5, 1, 3 and 5 mg TABLETS (Warfarin Sodium) What Warfarin Tablets are and what they are used for Warfarin Tablets belong to a group of drugs called anti-coagulants. You take Warfarin Tablets to help thin your blood if you have had a heart problem, problems with blood clots or your blood flow. You may also be given Warfarin Tablets if you have been fitted with a replacement heart valve. • depression Do not take Warfarin Tablets within 24 hours of surgery or giving birth to a child. Do not take any other drug without speaking to your doctor first. Pregnancy, breast-feeding and fertility If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking this medicine. Warfarin Tablets contain lactose Warfarin Tablets 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 3 mg and 5 mg contain lactose. If you have been told by your doctor that you have an intolerance to some sugars, contact your doctor before taking this medicinal product. . How to take Warfarin Tablets Dosage Always take this medicine exactly as your doctor has told you. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure. Your doctor will prescribe the dose of Warfarin Tablets that is right for you. Do not change your dose of Warfarin Tablets without talking to your doctor. Your doctor may test your blood while you are taking Warfarin Tablets. Adults and the elderly (over 65 years): The recommended dose is 10 mg daily for 2 days. Your doctor will do a blood test to decide the exact dose you should take. After the second day the recommended dose of Warfarin Tablets is between 3 and 9 mg once a day. Your doctor will tell you exactly how many Warfarin Tablets you should take. Try to take your tablets at the same time each day. Swallow the tablets or half tablets whole with water. The tablets can be divided into equal doses. Use in children No dose has been established for children. If you take more Warfarin Tablets than you should If you take too many tablets, or if you have unexplained bleeding, call your doctor or contact your nearest hospital immediately. Do not take more tablets than your doctor tells you to. If you forget to take Warfarin Tablets If you forget to take a dose at the right time, take it as soon as you remember unless it is nearly time for the next dose. Do not take a double dose to make up for forgotten dose. If you stop taking Warfarin Tablets Do not stop taking the tablets unless told to do so by your doctor. If you have any further questions on the use of this medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist. If any of the following occur, call your doctor as soon as possible: • allergic reaction • skin rashes • hair loss • diarrhoea • purple discolouration or ‘bruising’ to your skin • a yellowing of your skin or whites of your eyes • changes in the amount or colour of your urine. • Reporting of side effects If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet How to store Warfarin Tablets Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children. Do not store above 25°C. Store in the original package in order to protect from light. Do not use this medicine after the expiry date which is stated on the carton after EXP. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month.