What risk is associated with the use of warfarin?

Warfarin is an anticoagulant medication that works by inhibiting vitamin K, which is essential for the synthesis of certain clotting factors in the liver. Because of its mechanism of action, a primary risk associated with warfarin use is bleeding. Patients on warfarin have an increased tendency to bleed because the medication reduces the blood's ability to clot. This can result in complications ranging from minor bleeding, such as bruising or nosebleeds, to more severe issues, such as gastrointestinal bleeding or intracranial hemorrhage.

Monitoring is essential for patients on warfarin to maintain appropriate therapeutic levels and minimize the risk of significant bleeding complications. Regular blood tests, such as the International Normalized Ratio (INR), are used to ensure that the patient's blood clotting ability remains within a target range. Proper adjustments in the dosage of warfarin can help manage this risk, but the potential for adverse bleeding events is a crucial consideration in the management of patients receiving this medication.