Taking Warfarin For Rheumatic Heart Disease

Taking Warfarin For Rheumatic Heart Disease

Find out about taking the steps to taking warfarin if you have rheumatic heart disease.

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    How to take warfarin for rheumatic heart disease

    The information on this page is from the handout Warfarin patient information (PDF, 4.76MB) by Te Whatu Ora | Health New Zealand. Share or print a PDF version of the booklet in your preferred language.

    Infographic - warfarin patient information sheet

    Infographic - warfarin patient information sheet

    Warfarin patient information in English (PDF, 4.76MB).

    Warfarin patient information in te reo Māori (PDF, 4.51MB).

    Warfarin patient information in Samoan (PDF, 4,76MB).

    Warfarin patient information in Tongan (PDF, 4.79MB).

    You can also see the warfarin guide for rheumatic heart disease on KidsHealth

    Steps to taking wafarin for rheumatic heart disease

    Warfarin stops clots forming or getting bigger.

    Illustration of different warfarin tablets

    The right dose = the right INR.

    Too high - may bleed.

    Too low - won't work. 

    Illustration to show the range of INR (from too low to too high)

    Take your tablets at the same time every evening.

    Your doctor or nurse will tell you how many tablets to take and when to go for your next blood test.

    Illustration about taking your tablets at the same time every evening

    Call a health profesional if any of the following happen:

    • any unusual bleeding or bruising
    • severe unexplained pain
    • fever, vomiting, diarrhoea, infection
    • becoming pregnant
    • missed doses

    Illustration showing a hand holding a phone and words about when to call a doctor or nurse

    Other medicines can affect warfarin.

    Ask your pharmacist or doctor about all your medicines.

    Illustration of bottles of tablets with words about other medicines affecting warfarin

    Mix your green vegetables with other coloured vegetables.

    This does not apply if you are on dialysis. You must consult with a dietitian. 

    Illlustration of a clock and words about mixing green vegetables with other coloured vegetables

    Phone your health professional for your INR results on the day of your blood test.

    Take the recommended dose until your next bloos test.

    Follow 3 steps when taking warfarin

    1. Keep to your scheduled date and time for your blood test.
    2. Call ________ that same afternoon and request your INR result.
    3. Take the prescribed dose of warfarin at the same time each evening with a glass of water. 
      Record that the dose has been taken - you could make a cross on a calendar.

    Illustration showing the 3 steps to taking warfarin

    This page last reviewed 25 September 2024.

    Call Healthline on 0800 611 116 any time of the day or night for free health advice when you need it