Living with Warfarin

A guide for patients starting on anticoagulation treatment

Warfarin is a commonly prescribed drug, and it can be safely taken for many years. But a few basic rules must be followed, and regular blood tests carried out.

Living With Warfarin is an information film for patients starting on anticoagulation treatment. In a systematic way, using language that the patient can understand, the video explains:

• Why Warfarin is prescribed
• Frequency and dose levels
• The importance of blood tests
• Side effects and when to seek help with problems
• Contraindications
• Situations when additional advice should be sought

It is stressed throughout that Warfarin is a safe drug, provided that care is taken and a few basic rules followed.

At all stages a reassuring note is held, and the final point is made that there are a lot of people who have taken Warfarin safely for many years, and that help and advice is always available.

The programme is based around a clinic, but use is made of everyday situations, as well as animations to illustrate particular points. The programme is intended to be viewed either in a clinical environment under the supervision of clinical staff, or in the patients home.

Living with Warfarin was written and produced by clinical haematologists working with the Media Services team at St George’s, University of London. This team has also produced an information programme for patients with DV: A Patient Guide To Deep Vein Thrombosis .

Produced by

Dr Muriel Shannon MBChB, FRCPath Consultant Haematologist,
St George’s Healthcare NHS Trust

Dr Megan Rowley FRCS, FRCPath Consultant Haematologist,
Kingston Hospital NHS Trust

Philip Harvey, Media Producer,
St George’s, University of London. 1999

Running time: 19 minutes

Living with Warfarin Order Form (PDF)