A 21-year-old member asked:
Warfarin is dangerous to take with other drugs, do i really need to take it for my pulmonary embolism?
11 doctor answers • 16 doctors weighed in
Dr. Kenneth Chenganswered
Family Medicine 33 years experience
Yes: You are correct in that warfarin can interact with many different medications, however, it is not necessarily "dangerous" but just requires closer monitoring. Although warfarin is known as a "blood thinner, " this is a misnomer as it doesn't change the viscosity (thickness) of the blood. Instead, it prevents the clot from getting bigger. Thus, it is important to take if you have a p.E.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.6k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Dr. Scott Williamsonanswered
Specializes in Family Medicine
Yes: According to the american college of chest physicians (2008 guidelines) if cause no longer exists, take warfarin for 3 months and you may quit. If the cause is unknown you may be able to quit after 3 months (consult your doctor first).
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Scott Williamsonanswered
Specializes in Family Medicine
Yes: According to the american college of chest physicians (2008 guidelines), you may be able to stop the warfarin after 3 months if the cause is gone or unknown. If the embolism is due to cancer, genetic factors or you have continuing risk, you need to take the warfarin indefinitely.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Dean Giannoneanswered
Internal Medicine 27 years experience
Yes: Yes, yes yes! warfarin is the only blood thinner currently available to help you dissolve a pulmonary embolism, which is a potentially fatal condition. Your other medications need to be taken in the context of warfarin use, even is their doses need to be adjusted for their effect on your inr. Review your medications with your doctor, but don't stop any, including warfarin.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Dr. Cynthia Pointanswered
Specializes in Internal Medicine
Yes: Pulmonary embolism is a very dangerous condition. You need to take the warfarin to prevent another clot, and to allow the one you have to dissolve.
There are some newer blood thinners that we use for chronic heart arrythmias, but they are not ready for pulmonary embolism treatment yet.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Dr. Paul Abramsonanswered
Specializes in Family Medicine
Yes: Most people do need to take warfarin after a pulmonary embolism to prevent serious further complications. Typically the risk of warfarin is outweighed by the benefit of preventing extension of the clotting or recurrent emboli. However you should consult your treating physician or a hematologist about your individual situation and to determine the optimal duration of therapy.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Paige Gutheilanswered
Family Medicine 21 years experience
Yes: It is true that warfarin has drug reactions to take into account and it needs to be very closely monitored, however it is very clear in medical study that the risk of a pulmonary embolism is much greater than the risk of taking warfarin. Unfortunately, pe is a relatively common cause of death and warfarin is the gold standard in treating it.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Dr. Michael Kleinanswered
Family Medicine 23 years experience
Yes: Coumadin (warfarin) is a very difficult drug to take and certainly comes with several disadvantages like bleeding and need for lab tests. That being said, it is still the absolute gold standard for management of pulmonary embolism (pe), a condition which is life threatening if untreated. With proper use and close monitoring, Coumadin is safe to take with other drugs, especially compared to pe.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Dr. Andrew Carrollanswered
Family Medicine 27 years experience
Yes: Yes, if you had a pulmonary embolism, it is critical to take warfarin to avoid another one. Pe's can be deadly. If your pe was due to a one time event, though, you may only have to take warfarin for a limited time.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Dr. Aaron Milstoneanswered
Pulmonology 29 years experience
Yes: Warfarin is the drug with the most data regarding treatment and protection for pulmonary emboli. In the future other drugs may become available but as of 2011 it is the gold standard.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Dr. Sue Ferrantianswered
Internal Medicine 31 years experience
Yes...: Warfarin is necessary in the treatment of pulmonary embolism or pe. The initial clot will allow more clot to form until the initial clot is destroyed by your body's own system. So, to prevent further clot from forming, a blood thinner is needed. There are other injectable blood thinners so see your doctor to discuss alternatives to warfarin.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Last updated Sep 28, 2016
People also asked
Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere.
$44 video appointments with $19/month membership*
*Billed $57 every 3 months. Cancel anytime.
Disclaimer:
Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency.
