Marevan (Warfarin)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Quick Facts
What Is Marevan Used For?
Marevan contains warfarin, an anticoagulant medicine that some people call a 'blood thinner.' It helps prevent your blood from forming harmful clots that could lead to serious health problems.
Primary Uses
Marevan is used to prevent blood from excessive clotting or forming harmful clots. This is especially important when physical mobility is low, as excessive clotting can lead to serious health problems such as strokes or heart attacks.
How It Works
Marevan works as an anticoagulant to help control blood clotting and prevent the formation of dangerous blood clots in your body.
Important: This medicine helps control your condition but does not cure it. You'll need regular blood tests to monitor how well it's working.
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How to Take Marevan
Your doctor will determine your exact dose through blood tests, as different people need different amounts. It's crucial to follow your doctor's directions exactly and take Marevan at the same time each day.
Dosage Instructions
Follow your doctor's directions exactly about how much Marevan to take. Different people require different amounts, and your dosage will be adjusted to suit you. Your doctor will determine the right amount through blood tests. Take the tablets at about the same time each day. Swallow the tablets whole with a glass of water – do not crush or chew them. It doesn't matter if you take this medicine before or after food.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If you miss your dose, take it as soon as you remember on the same day, then take your next dose at the usual time the next day. If you don't remember until the next day, skip the missed dose and take your next scheduled dose as normal. Never take a double dose to make up for a missed dose, as this may increase your chance of side effects.
Important: Never double dose if you miss a dose – this can increase your risk of dangerous side effects.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- bruising
- nosebleeds
- bleeding from gums after brushing
- increased menstrual flow or heavier periods
- purplish and mottled toes
- prolonged bleeding from cuts
- swollen ankles
- painful swelling or discomfort
- stomach pain
- joint pain
- persistent headache or fever
- non-healing wounds or lesions or mottling of skin
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- red or dark brown urine
- symptoms of anticoagulant-related nephropathy (blood in urine, reduced urine output, swelling of legs/ankles/feet, high INR values, heavy bleeding)
- persistent diarrhea
- red or black bowel motions
- vomiting or coughing up blood
- chest pain
- difficulty breathing or swallowing
- severe skin wounds
- serious fall or injury
Important Warnings
There are several important conditions and situations where Marevan should not be used or requires special caution. Always inform your healthcare providers that you're taking this medication.
Who Should Not Take Marevan
Do not use Marevan if you are allergic to warfarin or any ingredients, tend to bleed easily, have active ulcers or abnormal blood cells, or have moderate to severe high blood pressure. Do not use if the packaging is damaged or the medicine has expired.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have liver or intestinal disease (like coeliac disease), kidney disease, high blood pressure, protein C deficiency, stomach or duodenal ulcers, red or black bowel motions, bleeding tendencies, fits or convulsions, thyroid problems, heart problems, psychiatric problems, severe diabetes, long-lasting infections, diarrhea, vomiting, fever, alcoholism, or severe allergies. Also inform them about upcoming dental treatment, surgical procedures, or sporting activities that may cause injury.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Do not take Marevan if you are pregnant, as it may affect your developing baby. Do not breastfeed while taking this medicine, as the active ingredient passes into breast milk and may affect your baby. Tell your doctor immediately if you become pregnant while taking this medicine.
Brand Warning: There are two brands of warfarin – Marevan and Coumadin. Never swap from one brand to the other without your doctor's approval.
Drug Interactions
Many medicines and foods can interfere with Marevan and affect how it works. Always tell your doctor about all medicines, vitamins, and supplements you're taking.
Dietary Note: Eating large amounts of green leafy vegetables or making drastic changes to your diet can affect how Marevan works.
- aspirin
- arthritis medications (including glucosamine and chondroitin)
- medications for blood clots, heart attacks, or angina
- antihistamines and cough or cold preparations
- antibiotics
- laxatives
- vitamin C, E, and K
- St John's Wort
- herbal preparations (garlic, ginseng, feverfew, ginkgo biloba, ginger)
- alcohol
- cranberry and grapefruit juice
Alcohol & Driving
Marevan may affect your ability to drive or operate machinery, and alcohol can interact with this medication. Take precautions and inform your doctor about your alcohol consumption.
Alcohol
Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol, as it can interfere with how Marevan works.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Be careful before you drive or use any machines or tools until you know how Marevan affects you. This medicine may cause dizziness in some people.
Storage
Keep your tablets in the original bottle until it's time to take them, as they may not keep well if removed. Store in a cool, dry place where the temperature stays below 30°C, away from light. A locked cupboard at least one-and-a-half meters above the ground is ideal. Keep away from moisture, heat, sunlight, and out of reach of children. Don't store in bathrooms, near sinks, in cars, or on window sills.
Overdose Information
If you think you've taken too much Marevan, seek urgent medical attention immediately. Call the Poisons Information Centre (Australia: 13 11 26), contact your doctor, or go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department, even if you feel fine. Signs of overdose may include bleeding, blood in stools or urine, abnormal bruising, or abnormal menstrual bleeding.
Frequently Asked Questions
The source doesn't specify exact timing, but your doctor will monitor your progress through regular blood tests to determine when the medication is working effectively for you.
Yes, it doesn't matter if you take Marevan before or after food. The important thing is to take it at the same time each day.
If you miss your dose, take it as soon as you remember on the same day, then take your next dose at the usual time the next day. If you don't remember until the next day, skip the missed dose and take your next scheduled dose as normal. Never take a double dose.
You should tell your doctor if you drink alcohol, as it can interfere with how Marevan works. Your doctor will advise you on whether it's safe for you to consume alcohol.
Your doctor will determine how much Marevan you need through blood tests, as different people require different amounts. Regular blood tests help monitor your progress and ensure the medication is working safely and effectively.
No, you should never swap from Marevan to Coumadin or vice versa. These are two different brands of warfarin, and switching between them is not recommended.
Always remind any doctor, dentist, or pharmacist you visit that you're taking Marevan. If you're having surgery, tell the surgeon or anesthetist, and if you're having blood tests, inform the healthcare provider as it may interfere with some test results.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.