Possible warfarin side effects and signs of a blood clot
Published
Aug. 21, 2017
•
Reviewed by
a UI Health Care Provider
on
April 8, 2025
What are side effects of warfarin?
Side effects are not common but can happen. The most common are bruising or minor bleeding. Expect to bruise easier while on warfarin. To lower your chance of bleeding, your INR should be in the range set for you. Tell your care team right away if you have any side effects listed below. You may need to change your dose.
Signs of bleeding or a high INR are:
- Bleeding from cuts that does not stop
- Nosebleeds that do not stop
- Gums that bleed when you brush your teeth
- Coughing up blood
- Vomit (throw up) that looks like coffee grounds
- Unusual bruising or bruises in areas that cannot be explained
- Heavy periods or unexpected bleeding from the vagina
- Bowel movements (poop) that look black or have blood in them
- Red or rust-colored (orange-like) urine (pee)
- Bleeding in your eye
- Getting a sudden headache, dizziness, or weakness
Call your care team if you have:
- Fever and chills for more than 2 days
- A stomachache or diarrhea for more than 2 days
- Bad stomachache, stomach pain, or belly swelling
- Bad headache
- Skin rash, hives, or itching
Very rare, but serious, side effects are:
- Skin necrosis (death of skin tissue)
- Purple toe syndrome
What are signs of a blood clot?
You are taking warfarin to help protect yourself from having a blood clot or prevent you from getting another one.
Call your care team if you have:
- Painful and constant swelling or redness in your feet, lower legs, or arms
- Bad headache
- Blurred vision (eyesight)
- Dizziness
- Trouble breathing
- Chest pain
- Feelings of severe weakness
- Numbness or tingling in your hands, feet, or face
- Not being able to move
- Sudden confusion