General side effects include gas, abdominal pain, and some hair loss. [5] X Research source
Keep your diet consistent when taking warfarin because increased levels of vitamin K can affect your warfarin therapy, make the drug less effective, and not able to prevent clots. – Warfarin also has many drug interactions so tell your doctor every kind of medication or supplement you take. [7] X Research source When on warfarin, avoid eating large or varying amounts of green vegetables, vitamin K rich foods such as broccoli, cauliflower, brussel sprouts, cabbage, kale, spinach, green beans, green tea, liver, and some cheeses. [8] X Research source Talk to your healthcare professional about keeping your diet consistent in amount and steadiness with warfarin.
Your doctor may prescribe Pradaxa, which is usually taken by mouth, with or without food, twice a day. Major side effects of Pradaxa include gastrointestinal symptoms such as upset stomach and nausea. [10] X Research source Other serious side effects may include hemorrhage or allergic reaction. [11] X Research source Or, you may be prescribed Xarelto. Depending on your particular circumstance, you may be instructed to take this once or twice a day by mouth with food. [12] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source Side effects of Xarelto include allergic reaction to the medication, bleeding or throwing up blood, dizziness, burning, numbness, tingling, muscle weakness, confusion, and headache. [13] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source Your doctor may instead prescribe Eliquis, which is usually taken twice a day by mouth, with or without food. Caution should be taken if you notice an allergic reaction, signs of bleeding, dizziness, confusion, headache, joint pain or swelling, chest pain, or wheezing. [14] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source Another kind of medication is Plavix (clopidogrel) an anti-platelet prescription. It makes blood less sticky and lowers the amount of the “sticky” coagulant platelets (which dangerously would stick together to cause clotting and can also cause blockages in blood vessels). There are some common side effects of Plavix: head pain, muscle and joint pain. You may experience some less frequent side effects of Plavix including danger of bleeding, hemorrhage, nosebleeds, etc. [15] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source
If you have had stomach ulcers, GI bleeding, or are allergic to aspirin, let your doctor know. If you are taking regularly scheduled NSAIDS such as ibuprofen, you may also increase your chances of bleeding. Let your doctor know before starting an aspirin regimen. [18] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source Aspirin may interact with other medications such as heparin, ibuprofen, Plavix, corticosteroids, and antidepressants as well as herbal supplements such as ginkgo, kava, and cat’s claw. [19] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source
Try to avoid exercise that might cause serious injury, complications, or internal bleeding. Ask your doctor what activities are best given your personal history and the medication you are taking.
Control your portion sizes by using smaller plates and keeping track of how much food you eat at each meal. Eat more fruits and vegetables, which are full of vitamins, nutrients, and antioxidants. Try eating whole grains instead of white flour. Include good fats, such as nuts and oily fish like tuna or salmon. Include lean protein in your diet, such as egg whites, low-fat dairy, and skinless white meat chicken. Eat foods that are low in saturated fat. The foods you eat should have less than 7% of their total calories from saturated fat. You should also avoid trans fats, which should be less than 1% of the foods total calories. Avoid oily, salty, or greasy food, fast food, and frozen, prepackaged food. Even frozen meals that claim to be healthy contain a lot of salt. Also avoid pies, frozen waffles, and muffins.
Some doctors suggest drinking around 64 ounces of water every day. [23] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Other doctors use the formula that, for every pound you weigh, you need to drink half an ounce of water. For example, if you weight 140 pounds, you should drink 70 ounces of water a day. [24] X Research source Don’t over-hydrate yourself. Make sure you have plenty of water, but if you feel too full, do not force yourself to drink more water.
Although certain foods may help thicken or thin your blood, do not attempt to use foods or diet to thin your blood.
Always follow your doctor’s advice on diet and medication.
Seek medical attention immediately if you experience unusual bleeding. These instances include nosebleeds that happen repeatedly, unusual bleeding from your gums, and menstrual or vaginal bleeding that is heavier than normal. [26] X Research source If you get injured or experience bleeding that is severe and uncontrollable, get emergency care right away. You should seek immediate medical help if you show signs of internal bleeding, such as red, pink, or brown urine; bright red, red-streaked, or black, tar-like stools; coughing up blood or blood clots; vomiting blood or your vomit looks granular like “coffee grounds; headaches; or feeling dizzy, faint or weak. [27] X Research source [28] X Research source
