Warfarin reversal
|
|
| Prothrombinex®-VF (500 IU) |
Warfarin is used for preventing and treating venous or arterial thrombosis and embolism.
Warfarin blocks the gamma-carboxylation of glutamic acid residues of Vitamin K−dependent coagulation factors.
This blockage inhibits synthesis of Vitamin K−dependent coagulation factors, resulting in decreased biological activity of factors II, VII, IX, X, and protein C and protein S; with prolongation of the international normalised ratio (INR).
Warfarin is a potentially hazardous drug that causes major bleeding, including intracranial haemorrhage, in 1.2%–8.1% of patients during each year of long-term warfarin therapy.(1)
► Management of an elevated INR
Reference
- Baker R, Couglin P, Gallus A, et al. Warfarin reversal: consensus guidelines, on behalf of the Australasian Society of Thrombosis and Haemostasis. MJA 2004;181(9):492–497.
