Warning Signs Quick Reference
For warfarin patients. Keep this posted where you can see it.
Signs of Bleeding
INR may be too high
- Unusual or excessive bruising
- Nosebleeds that won't stop (longer than 10 minutes)
- Bleeding gums when brushing teeth
- Blood in urine (pink, red, or brown)
- Blood in stool (red or black/tarry)
- Heavier than normal menstrual bleeding
- Coughing up blood or blood-streaked mucus
- Vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds
- Prolonged bleeding from cuts or wounds
- Unexplained joint pain or swelling
Signs of Clotting
INR may be too low
- Swelling in one leg (especially calf)
- Leg pain or tenderness, often in the calf
- Warm or red skin on the affected leg
- Sudden shortness of breath
- Chest pain that worsens with deep breathing
- Rapid heartbeat without obvious cause
- Sudden numbness or weakness (face, arm, leg)
- Sudden severe headache with no known cause
- Sudden vision changes in one or both eyes
- Dizziness or loss of balance
CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY
- !!Sudden severe headache (worst headache of your life)
- !!Difficulty speaking or understanding speech
- !!Sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body
- !!Sudden chest pain or difficulty breathing
- !!Coughing up large amounts of blood
- !!Uncontrollable bleeding that won't stop with pressure
- !!Vomiting blood
- !!Signs of stroke: Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty (F.A.S.T.)
When in doubt, seek medical attention. Do not wait.
This is an educational reference, not medical advice. Always follow your doctor's instructions.
Š CoagCompanion