Instructions reduce warfarin complications

PHILADELPHIA, Oct. 27 (UPI) -- Proper instructions of how to take the blood thinning drug warfarin resulted in less risk of bleeding complications, U.S. researchers said.

The University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine study, published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine, also indicated patients who see only one physician and fill their prescription at a single pharmacy were 60 percent less likely to experience serious bleeding events.

The researchers theorize that improved patient communication -- which clarify questions about dosing, other drugs to avoid while taking warfarin, and early symptoms of bleeding problems -- could prevent a substantial number of injuries and resulting hospitalizations.

"While we do not know the specific mechanism linking the medication instructions to reduce bleeding risk, it is likely that improved communication about medications leads to increased drug adherence and earlier recognition of medication side effects," study lead author Dr. Joshua Metlay said in a statement.

Metlay's team, in collaboration with the Pennsylvania Pharmaceutical Assistance Contract for the Elderly, studied 2,346 older adults taking warfarin for problems including heart rhythm abnormalities, deep vein thrombosis, stroke, heart valve replacements or pulmonary embolism.

Using data provided by the Pennsylvania Healthcare Cost Containment Council, the researchers identified hospitalizations that were tied to warfarin-related bleeding events among the patients in the study.