How can I identify my warfarin tablets? Warfarin tablets have a color that indicates their strength, or how many milligrams (mg) are in each tablet. Milligrams tell you how much medicine is in the tablet. The shape of the tablet shows the company that makes the tablets. Check your tablets each time you get them from the pharmacy to be sure you have the right strength. Ask your pharmacist if the color or shape of your pill changes or if you have any questions.
Color
Each strength of warfarin has an assigned color. For example, all 5 mg pills are peach whether they are generic or name brand. If the color of your pill changes, it means you have been given a different strength. Talk to your pharmacist immediately if you were not told to take a different strength.
This chart shows the color for each strength of tablet.
Shape
Warfarin comes in many shapes. The shape of the pill tells you which company made it. Let your health care provider know if the shape of your pill changes.
Brand vs. Generic
Many companies make warfarin. You may use brand name or generic warfarin. It doesn’t matter which company makes your warfarin. However, be sure to let your health care provider know if your pharmacist gives you a different shaped pill. Ask your pharmacist if you have any questions. Also make a note in your log.
How do I take warfarin?
Take warfarin exactly as you were told by your health care provider.
Take warfarin once a day.
Take warfarin at about the same time every day. The best time to take warfarin is later in the day or in the evening.
You may take warfarin with or without food.
Warfarin doses can change often. Use a pill box or calendar to help you remember to take the right dose.
What if I miss a dose? If you forget to take your warfarin at your normal time, you may take your dose up to eight hours after your normal time. If it has been more than eight hours, skip that dose, and take your normal dose at your next regular time. Make a note in your log about any missed doses. Tell your health care provider any time you miss a dose.
DO NOT double your dose to make up for a missed dose.
What if I take an extra dose? If you have taken an extra dose, call your health care provider as soon as possible to get further instructions. Make a note in your log that you took an extra dose.
What should I do when I need more warfarin? Please plan ahead. Call your pharmacy one week before your pills run out (or longer if you use a mail order pharmacy). If you do not have refills at your pharmacy, call your health care provider. Planning ahead will help keep you from missing a dose. If you do run out of your warfarin, your local pharmacy may be able to give you a 72-hour supply.
