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What Causes Skin Rashes With Irritation After Using Warfarin?

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Posted on Tue, 10 Jun 2014
Question: I've been taking Warfarin for some years and have an INR check regularly.
Since late January I've been suffering from extreme skin irritation. to begin with there was a rash and my scratching would quickly draw blood. I've been prescribed various ointments of increasing strength but had to stop the last one because it aggravated the problem. I'm now using Aveena lotion or Aqueous cream but the itching continues. I also take Piriton tablets but with decreasing impact.
I've heard that Warfarin can cause rashes/skin irritations and that there may be an alternative. Can you advise please?
Thanks
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Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (26 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
there are some newer alternatives

Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic

Warfarin can be associated with skin rashes in some persons and it is possible that it contributing to your problem.

There are some newer drugs that are just as good or better than warfarin and easier to use. They do not require INR checking and interact with a lot few medications and very few , if any, food interactions as well.

There are 3 options: (1)xarelto (2)eliquis (3) pradaxa

To switch the doctor discontines the warfariin , ,monitors the INR one last time then starts the new medication
Pradaxa and eliquis are started when the INR is less than 2 after warfarin stopped and xarelto when it is less than 3.

It is possible that there is another source of your itching if switching is not an option.
Your doctor may want to consider allergy tests to determine if you may be reacting to anything else.

I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Michelle Gibson James

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 16808 Questions

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What Causes Skin Rashes With Irritation After Using Warfarin?

Brief Answer: there are some newer alternatives Detailed Answer: HI, thanks for using healthcare magic Warfarin can be associated with skin rashes in some persons and it is possible that it contributing to your problem. There are some newer drugs that are just as good or better than warfarin and easier to use. They do not require INR checking and interact with a lot few medications and very few , if any, food interactions as well. There are 3 options: (1)xarelto (2)eliquis (3) pradaxa To switch the doctor discontines the warfariin , ,monitors the INR one last time then starts the new medication Pradaxa and eliquis are started when the INR is less than 2 after warfarin stopped and xarelto when it is less than 3. It is possible that there is another source of your itching if switching is not an option. Your doctor may want to consider allergy tests to determine if you may be reacting to anything else. I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions