Patients underestimate risk of warfarin emergencies

Cardiology News: March 18, 2013

Long-term users of warfarin had difficulty recognizing the clinical severity and urgency of anticoagulation-related situations such as stroke symptoms and medication mismanagement, the results of a survey indicated.

“Factual knowledge of the pharmacology of warfarin does not guarantee safe use of warfarin. Enhancing patient education regarding drug-related emergencies will likely narrow the gap between patient and health care provider and reduce the incidence of adverse drug events,” said Dr. Christopher J. Moreland of the University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, and his colleagues.

The researchers recommended that warfarin education programs implement patient-centered strategies that teach patients to discern high-risk from low-risk situations and take appropriate action based on those scenarios. Read more