Side affects of warfarin

The most common side effects associated with anticoagulant therapy are itching, rashes, easy bruising, increased bleeding from injuries and purplish spots on the skin. Purplish skin spots are caused by small amounts of bleeding under the skin. Bruising tends to be more severe when taking anticoagulants, and bleeding from wounds can be difficult to stop.

Side effects caused by taking anticoagulants can be dangerous. This is especially true if your gastrointestinal system begins to bleed while you are on anticoagulant therapy. For example, a stomach ulcer that would normally bleed only tiny amounts may begin to bleed heavily, causing you to vomit up a material that resembles coffee grounds. This material is actually partially digested blood and indicates potentially dangerous blood loss. Other side effects that require prompt medical attention include black, tarry stool, blood in the urine and uncontrollable bleeding from an injury.