Why is Warfarin prescribed?

When we cut ourselves, or suffer an injury, it is important that our blood clots so that any bleeding we experience will stop quickly. Clotting in this type of scenario is absolutely vital to our survival but when a clot forms unexpectedly inside the body this can be life threatening instead.  A clot which forms anywhere inside the body can pose a serious threat if it breaks away and starts to travel through the bloodstream.  The travelling clot may reach a blood vessel that is too narrow for it to pass through or it might become caught on some fatty deposits.  If the clot does come to rest, the risk is that it will obstruct blood flow.  When a clot reduces blood flow to a main organ this can result in a serious medical emergency such as a heart attack, stroke or pulmonary embolism.

Warfarin is prescribed to help prevent blood clots from forming.  It is commonly given to anyone who has a health condition that puts them at high risk of developing blood clots.   Most people in this category will require to take Warfarin long term.   Warfarin is also prescribed to those at short term risk of blood clots, for example, following surgery.

The majority of people requiring anticoagulant treatment are prescribed Warfarin. For those that don’t react well to Warfarin, or have a condition better suited to one of the alternatives, another anticoagulant may be recommended.