Some drugs, when taken together can harm your health, instead of taking care of you. Dr. Gérald Kierzek, emergency doctor and medical director of True Medical, warns against the mixture of two well -known molecules in France.
Never mix warfarin and anti-inflammatory drugs
For millions of French people under anticoagulant treatment with warfarin, the consequences of a simple intake of anti-inflammatory, such as ibuprofen, can be serious. But it is not the only one. “Warfarin drug interactions are numerous and important to know “ confirms Dr. Kierzek. Here is what you absolutely know.
These drugs and supplements that accentuate the risks
Among the substances to be monitored closely, anti-inflammatory drugs are at the top of the list.
“”It is absolutely necessary to avoid non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen or aspirin, which significantly increase the risk of hemorrhage in patients under warfarin “ explains the doctor.
Other drugs, less known to the general public, can also potentiate the effect of the drug, according to our expert. These are some antibiotics, such as ciprofloxacin, antifungals, including fluconazole.
Caution with certain foods and alcohol also
But that’s not all. Food supplements, wrongly considered harmless, are also to be avoided.
“”Vitamin K, ginkgo biloba or even garlic can either cancel the effect of warfarin, or on the contrary amplify it dangerously “ he underlines. “”Even alcohol and certain foods rich in vitamin K, such as spinach or different varieties of cabbage, must be consumed with great regularity to avoid dangerous fluctuations in the INR (coagulation index) “.
In other words, there is no question of making a detox treatment overnight or suddenly banish green vegetables. The coagulation index (INR) is very sensitive to these variations. Too low value exposes the risk of thrombosis, a value too high to that of hemorrhage.
What are the right reflexes to adopt?
In the event of warfarin treatment, some reflexes must become systematic. “”It is essential to regularly control your INR and immediately point out any suspicious sign of thrombosis or bleeding, such as that of gums or black stools “ Dr. Kierzek still specifies.
And follow-up does not stop at medical appointments. “”It is necessary to prevent all caregivers, including the dentist, that you take warfarin before any intervention “ Note again the emergency room. And above all, in case of forgetting, never improvise to catch up. “”Never double the dose the next day. Always consult your doctor “
In summary, these simple gestures are the best ramparts against accidents. Because with warfarin, it is not the drug that is dangerous, but the ignorance of its interactions.