What NOT TO DO while you are on a WARFARIN REGIMEN?

Hi there! It’s been quite some time since my last post on Steemit. I have been really busy lately with my work stuffs, especially when festive season CNY is around the corner. Undeniably, it is challenging to stay committed to my goals with my hands full with other work. However, I will take it as an opportunity to organize my time more wisely and multi-task more effectively.

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Few days before the festive season, I came across an old Chinese uncle in ward. He was just admitted yesterday night and I was about to take his past medications history. Throughout the conversations, I found out that he was just started on warfarin regimen few weeks ago for atrial fibrillation. For your information, atrial fibrillation is a medical condition where there is irregular heartbeat which may leads to other complications.

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Apparently, he is still very blurry with this whole warfarin thingy. So, I counselled him again on the warfarin regimen. (P/s: It doesn’t mean that the previous pharmacist on-duty did not do her job properly. Its just that this patient seem to have language barrier as he can only speak Cantonese fluently.)

Speaking of warfarin, if you are on a warfarin regimen, make sure you are aware of these DO’s & DON’Ts.

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• Do not forget to take warfarin as directed by your doctors or pharmacists.
• Do not forget to take blood test or INR level as instructed by doctors or pharmacists.
• Do not forget to record all the INR readings and the warfarin dose in your warfarin books. For your information, everyone on warfarin regimen should be supplied be a warfarin book to keep track of his/her history. Any missed dose or unusual side effects experienced by patients should be recorded on the warfarin book as well, so that healthcare professionals can adjust the dose accordingly.
• Do not forget to inform your doctors or pharmacists that you are on other medications as well (if any). Discuss with healthcare professionals before u take, change regimen or stop any medications or supplements or traditional products. Yes, supplements and traditional products as well. Warfarin can easily interact with other medications, supplements or even food. Thus, it is essential that your doctors or pharmacists is aware of it.
• Do not forget to maintain on a healthy lifestyle and a balanced diet on an everyday basis. This is because sudden and drastic changes in diets or lifestyle may affect your INR, thus the warfarin regimen. Do inform your doctors or pharmacists if you want to make any changes.
• Do not forget to inform or see doctors if you experience any sign and symptoms of unusual bleeding.

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• Do not forget to inform your doctors or pharmacists if you plan to get pregnant. Do not take warfarin if you are planning to get pregnant.
• Do not forget to inform other doctors or dentists that you follow up with that you are on a warfarin regimen.
• Do not forget to buy/collect your medications from pharmacy before the warfarin run out.
• Do not double your dose today if you missed your dose yesterday.
• Do not change the warfarin dose on your own. Warfarin regimen should be strictly adhered to in order to make your INR is within the target range.
• Do not participate in vigorous activities that might leads to injury or bleeding. However, moderate exercise is necessary.
• Do not indulge in alcohol intake excessively.

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By the way, Happy Chinese New Year to those who are celebrating! May you and your loved ones have a prosperous and fulfilling year ahead!