Some medications, when taken together, can harm your health, instead of healing you. Dr Gérald Kierzek, emergency doctor and medical director of True Medical, warns against mixing two molecules well known in France.
Never mix warfarin and anti-inflammatories
For the millions of French people on anticoagulant treatment with warfarin, the consequences of simply taking an anti-inflammatory, such as ibuprofen, can be serious. But it’s not the only one. “Warfarin drug interactions are numerous and important to be aware of.” confirms Dr. Kierzek. Here’s what you absolutely need to know.
These medications and supplements that increase the risks
Among the substances to watch closely, anti-inflammatories 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 bleeding in patients taking 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 include certain antibiotics, such as ciprofloxacin, and antifungals, including fluconazole.
Be careful with certain foods and alcohol too
But that’s not all. Food supplements, wrongly considered harmless, should also be avoided.
“Vitamin K, ginkgo biloba or even garlic can either cancel the effect of warfarin or, on the contrary, amplify it dangerously.
he emphasizes. “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 doing a detox cure overnight or suddenly banning green vegetables. The coagulation index (INR) is very sensitive to these variations. A value that is too low exposes you to the risk of thrombosis, a value that is too high to the risk of hemorrhage.
What are the right reflexes to adopt?
In case of warfarin treatment, certain reflexes must become systematic. “It is essential to regularly check your INR and immediately report any suspicious signs of thrombosis or bleeding, such as gums or black stools. further specifies Dr Kierzek.
And follow-up doesn’t stop at medical appointments. “You must tell all caregivers, including the dentist, that you are taking warfarin before any procedure.” notes the emergency doctor again. And above all, if you forget, never improvise to catch a shot. “Never double the dose the next day. Always consult your doctor”
In summary, these simple actions are the best defenses against accidents. Because with warfarin, it is not the drug that is dangerous, but ignorance of its interactions.