Any pharmacists/nurses around?

[hennipenni]

Can you tell me whether cranberry juice is contra-indicated with the use of warfain? thankyou

I am not a nurse, but i know my nan is on warfarin and is not allowed cranberry juice, hth.

Yes cranberry juice is definitely contraindicated. As is st johns wort and some over the counter painkillers and herbal remedies. Always ask the pharmacist before buying/taking anything with warfarin that is not prescribed by a doctor who knows you are on warfarin.

alcohol and variations in the quantities of dark green vegetables consumed will also affect the warfarin.

Thankyou, I knew myself from my nursing days that it was contra-indicated, but as I haven't nursed for a few years I wasn't sure if that had changed. My DG was at A&E last night with a UTI (amongst many mnay other problems)and the discharging DR told my dad to get her some cranberry juice.

oh yes, they knew as she always has a list of medication with her all the time, and, my dad always makes sure that she shows them.

An older news item here

doctors can sometimes make mistakes if they are not trained in anticoagulation therapy. Antibiotics do affect warfarin, but as long as the INR is closely monitored during the course, the dose can be adjusted.

Thankyou 3littlebats, I will ask my dad to ask for her INR to be checked as they started her on Amoxcicyllin yesterday.

So - the doctor who put her on antibiotics also told her to drink cranberry juice, and knew she was on warfarin?????

I would normally check the INR at the beginning of the course of ABs and again within a week, sooner if any bruising or bleeding.

Yes you got that right, I feel that we should complain but as my Gran is so poorly with other problems my dad doesn't want to take it further, and also he doesn't like causing a fuss either.

Well - the thing is, lots of people have antibiotics with their warfarin without problems. The INR may go up or down a little, but as long as she isn't having cranberry juice as well, the chances are she will be fine. If she has a UTI she needs the ABs. And, as long as the INR is monitored, her warfarin can be adjusted if necessary. At least you are aware.

Hope she feels better soon.