Using Your Medications

Taking medications properly is another part of compliance. Medicines may not work unless taken as prescribed. Or they can leave you dizzy, sick or worse. Or, without knowing it, you could counteract one medicine by taking it with another. Take part in treatment decisions and, if you don't understand something, ask questions. Carefully follow the agreed upon treatment plan, and watch for and work with your healthcare team to solve any problems.

Dr. Clyde Yancy, former American Heart Association president, stresses the importance of understanding and taking your medications.

Learn how warfarin helps balance your body's clotting and bleeding abilities, and how the INR test helps your doctor learn if your prescription is right for you.

Understand some general guidelines to properly and safely take warfarin, and what foods, beverages and medications can change how your warfarin works.

Learn the goal of anticoagulant medication, and who may be prescribed anticoagulant therapy.

Learn important strategies to help you take your anticoagulant exactly as prescribed by your doctor.