Jantoven

1 What is Jantoven (Warfarin)?

Brand: Jantoven

Generic: Warfarin

Jantoven is an anticoagulant, or blood thinner, that reduces the formation of blood clots. It is used to treat and prevent blood clots in the veins and arteries, which can reduce the risk of stroke, heart attack, and other serious conditions.

Bleeding Disorder

Jantoven is mainly used for blood disorders, such as a blood cell disorder, blood in the urine or stools, stomach bleeding, very high blood pressure, an infection of the lining of the heart, bleeding in the brain, recent or upcoming surgery, or in the case of a spinal tap or epidural. Do not take the medication if you cannot take it on time every day.

Jantoven can increase your risk of bleeding, which can sometimes turn severe and dangerous. This potentially life-threatening medicine needs to be used with care and caution. You will need frequent tests to measure your blood-clotting time. You can talk to the doctor and get emergency medical attention if required. If the bleeding does not stop, or if there is blood in the urine, you have black or bloody stools, or if you cough up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds, cease the medication and seek immediate medical attention.

Do not take Jantoven if you are pregnant, unless your doctor tells you otherwise. Warfarin can cause birth defects, but preventing blood clots may outweigh the risks to the baby. You may be able to take warfarin during pregnancy if you have a mechanical heart valve. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while taking warfarin and for at least one month after your last dose. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.

Jantoven can make you bleed more easily, especially if you have:

  • A history of bleeding and related problems
  • High blood pressure
  • Heart disease-related problems
  • Kidney or liver disease
  • Cancer
  • A disease which affects the blood vessels in the brain
  • Problems relating to the stomach or intestinal bleeding
  • Undergone surgery or a medical emergency
  • Received a recent injection
  • Are age sixty-five or older
  • Are suffering from major health issue(s)

Avoid drinking alcohol. Also, avoid grapefruit juice, cranberry juice, noni juice, and pomegranate juice, which are risky after taking Jantoven; the juices may interact with the medicine and lead to annoying side effects.
Do not make changes in diet without consulting a doctor first. Foods high in vitamin K, leafy green vegetables, and vegetable oils can make Jantoven ineffective. Eat foods according to the doctor’s advice.

2 What to Know Before Using

Before using Jantoven, you must know all about the risks and complications associated with it.

Prior to initiating treatment with oral warfarin, you and your doctor need to discuss the risks and benefits associated with this type of therapy. You need to consider several factors that can contribute to your prognosis. Tests may be necessary to check if you are allergic to warfarin or any of its ingredients.

You should also inform your healthcare team about allergies to other medications, food, dyes, preservatives, and/or animals.

There haven’t been enough studies to establish the appropriate dosing, safety, and efficacy of this medication in pediatric patients.

On the flip side, studies on Warfarin use in geriatric patients have demonstrated that age-related factors would limit the safety and efficacy of this medication. However, elderly patients may be more sensitive to the treatment. Those who have underlying factors that could increase the risk of bleeding should be monitored closely.

Warfarin is contraindicated in pregnant patients since it has been found to cause harm to the unborn child.

Research on nursing mothers has demonstrated that Warfarin is not passed to the child via breast milk. Nonetheless, breastfeeding children should be monitored for any sign or symptom of bleeding or bruising.

You should inform your physician about any other medication you are taking because certain drugs can interact with Warfarin. They can either increase or decrease its effects.

Simultaneous use of antibiotics, antifungals, botanical (herbal) products, medications that increase bleeding risk, and inhibitors and inducers should be avoided. Amifampridine and tamoxifen should never be used at the same time with warfarin.

Certain foods and herbal supplements should also be avoided. Co-enzyme Q10, St. John’s wort, and ginseng can have a synergistic effect if consumed while on Warfarin therapy. Eating vitamin K-rich foods can also decrease the effect of warfarin. Cranberry juice, tobacco, and pomegranate should be avoided as well. Black/green tea, enteral nutrition, high protein food, and Noni juice can cause side effects.

You also need to take into consideration pre-existing medication conditions. Warfarin should be used with caution or not prescribed for patients with:

3 Proper Usage

To use Jantoven properly, you must follow all instructions given by your doctor.

Dosage and timing of warfarin are individualized. That is why it is important to follow your doctor’s instructions diligently. He/she may change the dosing in order to find out what works best. You can also read the Medication Guide that’s included in the packaging.

Again, diet can play a role in the efficacy of Warfarin. Therefore, follow the diet prescribed by your physician. As mentioned earlier, consuming too much vitamin K-containing foods may decrease the effectiveness of therapy. Keep your vitamin K consumption consistent.

Usually, the oral dosage of warfarin for adults is 2 to 5 mg once a day. This can be altered per your physician. Children’s dosage and timing are to be determined by the doctor. If you forgot to drink your medication, take it as soon as possible. However, skip it if the next timing is near.

Warfarin tablets should be kept in a sealed container at room temperature.

Keep it away from children’s reach.

Throw away expired medications.

4 Precautions To Take

Before using Jantoven, there are some precautions you must take.

Go to your regular checkups diligently. In this way, your physician can closely monitor your condition and prevent complications or side effects. INR levels need to be checked at consistent times in order to maintain the therapeutic levels of Warfarin.

As mentioned earlier, this medication is contraindicated in pregnant women. Effective birth control methods should be utilized while on this treatment. Since warfarin can cause severe bleeding, you should watch out for signs and symptoms of hemorrhage.

These can include:

  • Swelling or discomfort
  • Prolonged bleeding from cuts
  • Increased menstrual flow or vaginal bleeding
  • Epistaxis
  • Bleeding of gums from brushing
  • Unusual bleeding or bruising
  • Red or Dark brown urine
  • Red or Tar black stools
  • Pain, Headache, Dizziness, and/or weakness. Notify your doctor immediately if you have those.

Warfarin can also lead to tissue necrosis. Inform your healthcare professional right away if you have pain, color, or temperature change to any part of your body.

Do not engage in any activity or contact sport that can cause traumatic injury. If you have severe diarrhea, infection, or fever, you should also contact your physician.

Your nurse can also demonstrate effective methods to decrease the risk of injury and bleeding. Always bring with you identification that states you are on Warfarin therapy.

Consult your physician prior to taking any OTC drugs or supplements.

5 Jantoven (Warfarin) Side Effects

If any serious or mild side effect occurs after taking Jantoven, seek medical help. In the case of an allergic reaction, such as hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling on the face, lips, tongue, or throat, always call for medical assistance.
Jantoven can sometimes cause you to bleed easily, which could lead to severe, life-threatening diseases. Always seek emergency medical attention if there is any unusual bleeding or bleeding that does not stop. Bleeding on the inside of the body usually occurs in the stomach or intestines. Call the doctor immediately and ask for a medical check-up and treatment in such cases.

Call the doctor if you experience any of the following:

  • Pain, swelling, hot or cold feeling, skin changes, or discoloration anywhere on the body
  • Sudden and severe leg or foot pain, foot ulcer, purple toes or fingers
  • Sudden headache, dizziness, or weakness
  • Easy bruising or bleeding (nosebleeds, bleeding gums), purple or red pinpoints under the skin
  • Bleeding from wounds or needle injections that does not stop
  • Pale skin, feeling light-headed or short of breath, rapid heart rate, trouble concentrating
  • Dark urine, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
  • Little or no urination
  • Numbness or muscle weakness
  • Pain in the stomach, back, or sides

Common side effects of Jantoven may include:

This is not a complete list of side effects; others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about Jantoven side effects.

Over-the-counter medicines and herbal products may increase the risk of bleeding after you have taken Jantoven.

The drug interactions chart does not give all the symptoms in the medication guide. Always consult the doctor and pharmacist before taking the medicine dosage.

Avoid other medications used to prevent blood clots, as well as those used to treat any type of infection, including tuberculosis.

Vitamin K supplements and many other supplements should be avoided as well.

Follow all directions on the prescription label. The doctor may occasionally change the dose to ensure the best results. Do not take warfarin in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than prescribed.

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