Warfarin - Missed or extra doses

Warfarin is taken once a day, usually in the evening. It is important to take your dose at the same time each day.

Missed doses

Morning

If you usually take your warfarin in the morning and have forgotten to take it, take the dose as soon as you remember and then continue as normal.

However, if it is time to take your next dose, do not take a double dose to catch up (unless your GP has specifically advised this).

Evening

If you forget to take your dose of warfarin in the evening but remember before midnight on the same day, take the missed dose. If midnight has passed, leave that dose and take your normal dose the next day at the usual time.

If you are not sure what to do if you have missed a dose, ask your GP or anticoagulant clinic. Alternatively, call NHS 111 for advice.

Extra doses or wrong doses

If you accidentally take an extra dose or take the wrong dose of warfarin, contact your GP or anticoagulant clinic for advice.

Check the patient information leaflet that comes with your medicine. This should give you advice about what to do.

If you still need advice, either speak with a pharmacist or call NHS 111.


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