Anticoagulant (Blood Thinner)
Last reviewed June 2026
Who is this for?
Warfarin is a blood thinner that slows down your body's ability to form blood clots, helping to keep your blood flowing smoothly and preventing dangerous clots from forming in your veins or arteries.
Inhibits vitamin K-dependent clotting factors (II, VII, IX, and X) by antagonizing vitamin K epoxide reductase, thereby prolonging prothrombin time and preventing thrombus formation.
Prescription Required
You need a doctor's prescription to buy this drug.
Explore this drug
Your doctor will decide your exact dose based on regular blood tests called INR tests — there is no fixed dose for everyone. Usually taken as one dose per day, at the same time each day, with or without food. Never change your dose on your own without your doctor's instruction.
If you remember the same day, take it as soon as you can. If you don't remember until the next day, skip the missed dose and take your normal dose — never take a double dose to make up for it. Let your doctor know you missed a dose.
This is a very serious medication — only use it with a doctor's prescription and regular blood tests (INR monitoring), never buy it from roadside vendors or adjust the dose yourself. Keep your diet consistent, especially with green leafy vegetables like spinach, ugwu, and bitter leaf, because they contain Vitamin K which affects how warfarin works. Do not share this medication with anyone else, even if they have a similar condition — the wrong dose can cause life-threatening bleeding.
Avoid taking aspirin, ibuprofen (e.g. Brufen), or diclofenac (e.g. Voltaren, Cataflam) unless your doctor says so, as they greatly increase your risk of bleeding. Alcohol increases the risk of bleeding and affects how warfarin works — avoid or strictly limit drinking. Many herbal remedies and supplements, including local herbs, bitter leaf tonics, and agbo (herbal mixtures), can dangerously change how warfarin works in your body.
Check your specific combination
Is it safe to take Warfarin with your other drugs?
Warfarin is NOT safe during pregnancy as it can cause serious birth defects and harm the unborn baby — if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, tell your doctor immediately so they can switch you to a safer option.
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat — avoid storing in hot kitchens or near windows. Keep the tablets in their original container and always keep far away from children, as even a small amount can be very dangerous for a child.
For information only — not medical advice. Always talk to a doctor or pharmacist before changing your medication.
Names this drug is sold under — especially in Nigerian and West African pharmacies
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Counterfeit Drug Warning
Fake drugs are a serious problem in Nigeria. Always buy from a registered pharmacy. If the packaging looks different from what is described above, do not use it.