|
Anticoagulants - eg Warfarin |
|
In this country warfarin is used in about 99% of patients on anticoagulant therapy. It works by reducing the tendency of the blood to clot. It has a different action to aspirin and clopidogrel. The dosage of warfarin is controlled by blood tests. Individuals vary in their response to warfarin so the test needs to be repeated. Some patients require a test every 6 – 8 weeks others need one more frequently. Warfarin is used in patients with some heart rhythm disturbances eg atrial fibrillation or flutter to prevent clots of blood forming within the heart. Such clots can break off and pass to the brain where they can result in a stroke. Warfarin can reduce the chance of this happening by about two thirds. It is also used in a range of other conditions where abnormal blood clotting may be a problem.
|
