Drug InfoNet Doctors' Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

Doctors' Answers to "Frequently Asked Questions" - Anticoagulants

These comments are made for the purpose of discussion and should NOT be used as recommendations for or against therapies or other treatments. An individual patient is always advised to consult their own physician.

Wofrin as Anticoagulant Medication [posted 11/6/98]
Question: My wife recently suffered a severe blood clot in her leg. She is now on medication, Worfrin. We are told is an anti-coagulant for the blood. What are the side effects of extended dosages of Worfrin ?

Answer: Don't seem to be too many. This drug has been around for over 30 years and used extensively without any big long term problems.

General Information
Question: Is long term use of anticoagulants recommended? Why or why not. If so what are common side effects, if any, from taking these types of drugs?

Answer: Depends on what your underlying medical condition is. Anticoagulation can be a simple as aspirin or as complex as coumadin. Aspirin is currently recommended for men over fifty if there is no history of allergies or GI disturbances with aspirin or aspirin products. Women don't seem to benefit as much; but, women with high family risk factors should still consider taking it. Anticoagulation with coumadin is based on underlying medical problems since there is about a 10% per year risk of a bleed.

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