A patient is taking Warfarin and begins NSAIDs. What safety concern should you communicate?

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Multiple Choice

A patient is taking Warfarin and begins NSAIDs. What safety concern should you communicate?

When Warfarin is in use, the blood doesn’t clot as easily, and NSAIDs can worsen that bleeding risk. NSAIDs interfere with platelet function and can irritate the stomach lining, so combining them with Warfarin can lead to more bleeding events than either drug alone. Because of this, it’s important to warn the patient that taking NSAIDs can raise the chance of bleeding and to notify the pharmacist about the NSAID use. The patient should report any signs of bleeding right away, such as unusual bruising, prolonged bleeding from cuts, bleeding gums or nosebleeds, heavier menstrual bleeding, black or tarry stools, red or dark urine, or vomiting blood. If pain relief is needed, consider alternatives and avoid NSAIDs unless advised by a clinician, and never adjust Warfarin dose without medical guidance.

When Warfarin is in use, the blood doesn’t clot as easily, and NSAIDs can worsen that bleeding risk. NSAIDs interfere with platelet function and can irritate the stomach lining, so combining them with Warfarin can lead to more bleeding events than either drug alone. Because of this, it’s important to warn the patient that taking NSAIDs can raise the chance of bleeding and to notify the pharmacist about the NSAID use. The patient should report any signs of bleeding right away, such as unusual bruising, prolonged bleeding from cuts, bleeding gums or nosebleeds, heavier menstrual bleeding, black or tarry stools, red or dark urine, or vomiting blood. If pain relief is needed, consider alternatives and avoid NSAIDs unless advised by a clinician, and never adjust Warfarin dose without medical guidance.

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