Uniwarfin 5: Uses, How It Works, Side Effects

What is Uniwarfin 5 used for?

Uniwarfin 5 is a prescription medicine. It is used, on a doctor's advice, to treat and prevent blood clots and to lower the risk of clot-related stroke in some people.

• Treating and preventing blood clots in the veins of the legs (deep vein thrombosis) and in the lungs (pulmonary embolism)
• Lowering the risk of clots and stroke in people with an irregular heartbeat called atrial fibrillation, or with mechanical heart valves
• Other conditions in which a doctor judges the blood is clotting too easily

How does Uniwarfin 5 work?

The liver needs vitamin K to make several of the proteins that make blood clot. Warfarin blocks the way the body re-uses vitamin K, so these proteins are made in a less active form and the blood takes longer to clot. Doctors check this with a blood test called the INR.

What happens in your body after you take it

1. You swallow the tablet

   The tablet dissolves in the gut and warfarin is absorbed into the blood. It can be taken with or without food.

2. It travels in the blood

   Warfarin is carried around the body attached to blood proteins and reaches the liver, where clotting proteins are made.

3. It blocks vitamin K recycling

   In the liver, warfarin stops the body from re-using vitamin K, which the clotting proteins need to become active.

4. Clotting slows

   Over a few days, less active clotting protein is available, so clots are less likely to form or grow. The INR blood test shows how long the blood takes to clot.

5. The body clears it

   Warfarin is broken down by the liver and removed in the urine and stool. Food rich in vitamin K, illness, alcohol and many other medicines can change its effect, which is why regular blood tests are needed.

How to take Uniwarfin 5

Take Uniwarfin 5 exactly as your doctor or warfarin clinic has told you. The dose is different for each person and is changed using INR blood tests, so never change it yourself.

• It is usually taken once a day at the same time each day, with or without food.
• INR blood tests are done often at the start, then at regular intervals. Do not miss them.
• If you miss a dose, take it when you remember on the same day. If it is already the next day, skip the missed dose and take the usual dose. Never take two doses together. Tell your warfarin clinic if you often miss doses.
• Keep your diet steady. Foods rich in vitamin K, such as spinach, broccoli and other leafy greens, can change the effect, so do not make big changes without asking your doctor.
• Carry your anticoagulant alert card, and tell every doctor, dentist and pharmacist that you take warfarin.

Side effects of Uniwarfin 5

Bleeding is the main risk of warfarin. Some bleeding is minor, but some needs urgent medical help.

Uncommon or mild

• Easy bruising
• Nosebleeds or bleeding gums
• Bleeding from cuts that takes longer to stop
• Heavier periods

Who should be careful

Some people need to check with a doctor before taking Uniwarfin 5, or need extra care while taking it.

• Never stop it, or change the dose, on your own: stopping can raise the risk of a clot or stroke. Talk to your doctor first
• Bleeding risk: tell your doctor about stomach ulcers, liver or kidney disease, high blood pressure, a recent stroke, recent or planned surgery, or any condition that raises bleeding risk
• Pregnancy: warfarin can harm the developing baby and is usually avoided; tell your doctor at once if you are pregnant or planning a baby, and do not stop it without advice
• Breastfeeding: it is generally allowed, but tell your doctor if your baby has unexplained bruising or blood in urine, stool or vomit
• Avoid contact sports and activities with a high risk of injury where possible
• Surgery, tooth extraction or any procedure: tell the doctor or dentist beforehand that you take warfarin
• Alcohol: avoid large amounts

Medicines and things that interact with Uniwarfin 5

Warfarin interacts with a very large number of medicines, foods and supplements, and its effect can change. Tell your doctor, pharmacist and warfarin clinic about everything you take or plan to take, including herbal remedies and painkillers bought over the counter.

• Painkillers such as aspirin, ibuprofen, diclofenac and other NSAIDs: they raise the risk of bleeding. Ask before using any painkiller; paracetamol is generally the one doctors suggest, but check first
• Other blood thinners and antiplatelet medicines: the risk of bleeding rises
• Some antibiotics, antifungals, antidepressants, heart medicines, ulcer medicines and statins: they can raise or lower the effect, so the INR may need checking
• Herbal and supplement products such as St John's wort and vitamin K: can change its effect
• Foods rich in vitamin K, and cranberry or grapefruit juice: can change its effect; keep intake steady
• Alcohol: large amounts can change its effect and raise the risk of bleeding

If someone takes too much

Storage

Store below 30 C in a dry place, protected from light and moisture, in the original strip, and out of the reach of children. Do not use after the expiry date. Check the pack for the exact storage instructions.

Regulatory status in India

Approved for sale in India as a prescription medicine. Single-ingredient warfarin is not known to be on the CDSCO list of medicines banned under section 26A of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act. Uniwarfin 5 contains warfarin sodium only (confirm on the pack).

Other brands with the same medicine

Warfarin 5 mg tablets are sold under other brand names and as generic medicines. They contain the same medicine, but warfarin comes in several strengths with different tablet colours. Never switch brand or strength without asking your doctor or warfarin clinic.

Other strengths and forms

Warfarin is sold in several strengths. The strength is printed on the pack and is not the same across products, so check the label of the one you have and never mix strengths without your doctor's advice.

Common questions