Which side effect is associated with Warfarin use?

Warfarin is an anticoagulant medication commonly used to prevent blood clots. Its primary mechanism is to inhibit vitamin K-dependent clotting factors in the liver, which decreases blood coagulability. Due to this mechanism, one of the most significant risks associated with Warfarin therapy is hemorrhage, or excessive bleeding. This can occur because the medication effectively thins the blood by preventing clot formation, making it easier to bleed and harder for the body to stop bleeding once it begins.

Patients on Warfarin must be monitored closely for signs of bleeding, particularly if they have other risk factors such as concurrent use of other blood-thinning medications, liver disease, or variations in diet that affect vitamin K intake. Therefore, understanding the potential for hemorrhage is critical for effective patient management while on this medication.

Hypertension, rash, and nausea, while they can occur with various medications, are not typical side effects directly linked to Warfarin therapy in the same dangerous manner as hemorrhage.