Taking Warfarin: Your Daily Safety Guide

Take the right dose

• Take warfarin at the same time each day. Follow your dose calendar.
• If you forget, take it when you remember that same day.
• If you remember the next day, skip the missed dose and call your clinic.
• Never double a dose.

Keep your blood tests

• Your INR blood test checks how long your blood takes to clot.
• Your target range: ____________. Next test: ____________.
• Most targets are 2.0 to 3.0. Some heart valves need 2.5 to 3.5.

Keep food choices steady

• Eat similar amounts of leafy greens from week to week. Do not cut them out.
• Avoid large amounts of cranberry juice or cranberry products.
• Tell your clinic about major diet changes, vomiting, or diarrhea.

Ask before adding medicines

• Check all new medicines, including antibiotics, with your pharmacist.
• Do not add aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen unless approved.
• Check before using garlic pills, ginkgo, or St. John's wort.

Prevent bleeding and injury

• Use a soft toothbrush and electric razor. Avoid contact sports.
• Tell every provider and dentist. Wear a medical alert ID.
• Get emergency care after any head injury, even if you feel well.