Understanding Warfarin
Here at Eat On Warfarin we want to provide you with the simple facts about Warfarin to help you understand the medication that you have been prescribed. All the information in this section is presented in straightforward, easy to understand language giving you quick access to the things you need to know.
Why is Warfarin prescribed?
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...
How does Warfarin work?
How does Warfarin work? Warfarin is prescribed to help prevent clots forming in the blood which could lead to a stroke, heart attack or other serious health condition. So how does warfarin work? The human liver produces a group of proteins which control the process...
What is an INR?
What is an INR? INR stands for International Normalised Ratio, but what is an INR? To explain, The number of seconds that it takes for a sample of blood to clot is known as the Prothrombin time (PT). When testing of blood samples is carried out in the laboratory the...
Why must I have blood tests while taking Warfarin?
Why must I have blood tests while taking Warfarin? You will require to have regular blood tests while taking Warfarin to monitor your INR. This is necessary so that the time it takes for your blood to clot can be kept within the Therapeutic range that your doctor has...
How often do I need to have an INR test?
How often do I need to have an INR test? When starting Warfarin it is likely that you will have blood tests on a daily basis. This will continue until your doctor is satisfied that your INR test results are consistently within the Therapeutic Range set for you. Once...
How are INR blood tests performed?
How are INR blood tests performed? For the most part, INR testing takes place at the hospital or doctor’s surgery. The test involves withdrawing blood, usually from a vein in the arm. This blood sample is then sent to a laboratory to be analysed. The results of the...
What happens when I get my INR test results?
What happens when I get my INR test results? When you are given your INR test results the doctor will discuss with you whether your Warfarin dose will stay the same or needs to be adjusted. The doctor’s aim is to try and maintain your blood clotting time within your...