The impact of long-term warfarin therapy on quality of life: evidence from a randomized trial

Article Abstract:

Warfarin is a blood thinning drug, or anticoagulant, used in clinical situations in which there is a significant risk of blood clot formation. For example, atrial fibrillation, a type of irregular heart beat, is associated with the formation of blood clots in the heart; these clots can break away and lodge elsewhere, such as in the brain, causing stroke. The use of warfarin is complicated by the risk of bleeding, the need for frequent blood tests to monitor the dose, restrictions on the use of alcohol and other drugs while taking warfarin, and the need for frequent doctor visits to examine the person taking the drug. These factors have the potential to influence physicians, who are sometimes reluctant to prescribe the drug, and patients, who could find that their perceptions of their health status are adversely affected by having to take warfarin. A study was conducted of 333 patients who were taking warfarin for atrial fibrillation to determine what effect the use of the drug had on the quality of their lives. Their health perceptions were compared with those of people who had atrial fibrillation but were not taking warfarin. No difference was found between the way the two groups perceived their health, their functional status, or their well-being. Of those taking warfarin, only 6.5 percent felt that their life-styles were affected by having to take the drug, and 13 percent were at least somewhat concerned about possible side effects. Thirty-nine percent believed that warfarin would ensure a healthier future for them. The individuals who had experienced a bleeding episode while taking warfarin did have lowered perceptions of their health status when compared with those who were not taking the drug. Generally, however, people who were taking warfarin for atrial fibrillation did not believe themselves to be significantly different from the rest of the population in terms of health and well-being. These results might have some bearing on the attitudes of physicians who have been hesitant to prescribe warfarin. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Psychological aspects, Prevention, Surveys, Drug therapy, Stroke (Disease), Stroke, Quality of life, Atrial fibrillation

---

Lovastatin-warfarin interaction

Article Abstract:

Warfarin and lovastatin are two frequently prescribed drugs. Warfarin helps to prevent the formation of blood clots that could lead to strokes or heart attack. Lovastatin prevents the body from making cholesterol, and is used to treat elevated cholesterol in people who are unable to control it by following a low-cholesterol diet. Because of the increasing use of these two drugs, physicians must be careful to avoid potential problems resulting from their interaction. Cases are described of two patients with atrial fibrillation (a type of abnormal heartbeat associated with a greatly increased risk of stroke) who were treated with warfarin, which is highly effective. Both were also given lovastatin to lower cholesterol levels. Shortly thereafter, both patients developed problems with bleeding because of a reduction in the amount of prothrombin in the blood. Prothrombin (factor II) is necessary for blood to clot, and deficiency of factor II can lead to longer clotting time and even hemorrhage. Both patients were instructed to take a lower dosage of warfarin, and their conditions improved. It is likely that the patients developed hypoprothrombinemia (abnormally low levels of thrombin in the blood) as a result of the interaction between the two drugs, perhaps because lovastatin strengthens the effect of warfarin. The drug manufacturer did not find any effect of lovastatin on the anticoagulation effect of warfarin, but since then the manufacturer has received reports of interaction and bleeding. This potentially dangerous interaction needs to be brought to the attention of clinicians, and patients who are taking both warfarin and lovastatin should be monitored very carefully. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Health aspects, Case studies, Causes of, Lovastatin, Hypoprothrombinemias

---

Adverse reaction reporting of interaction between warfarin and fluoroquinolones

Article Abstract:

A summary is presented of cases reported to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) concerning interactions between drugs of the fluoroquinolone class (anti-infective agents including ciprofloxacin hydrochloride, or Cipro, and norfloxacin, or Noroxin) and warfarin sodium, an anticoagulant drug. Eighteen reports of abnormally long prothrombin times (PTs), indicative of a clotting disorder, in patients taking a fluoroquinolone and warfarin have been received by the FDA; five cases are summarized in the report. PTs are listed for the patients. Significant uncontrolled bleeding occurred in only one case. Possible mechanisms whereby fluoroquinolones could potentiate the anticoagulant effects of warfarin are discussed. It is important that physicians report adverse drug reactions to the FDA so that product labeling can reflect any potential hazards. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Cases, Reports, Quinolones

Similar abstracts:

• Abstracts: Improving family functioning after cardiac surgery: a randomized trial
• Abstracts: General hospital admission in the management of parasuicide: a randomized controlled trial. Evaluating health promotion: doing it by numbers
• Abstracts: Impact of tubal sterilization and vasectomy on female marital sexuality: results of a controlled longitudinal study
• Abstracts: Continuous emotional support during labor in a US hospital: a randomized controlled trial. Doula at the bedside of the patient in labor
• Abstracts: Mycobacterium avium complex infection in the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. Advances in the prevention and treatment of Mycobacterium avium disease

This website is not affiliated with document authors or copyright owners. This page is provided for informational purposes only. Unintentional errors are possible.