Question...if you are on warfarin can you take any cold or flu OTC meds?

Valve Replacement Forums

Help Support Valve Replacement Forums:

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate links, including eBay, Amazon, and others.

jdlouth

Active member
Joined
Jan 1, 2012
Messages
27
Location
West palm beach Florida
With my little set back of pneumonia and slight lung issue I have thought of what OTC medication can be used to treat the common cold or the flu?

Since this came to me after the seeing the surgeon today I will ask my cardio next week. Now I'm on antibotics so it's not an issue but what about a common ailment. I was hoping to get some feedback from those of you that have been on the warfarin for a while so I can stock up my medicine for what I can take as opposed to the usual OTC that I keen on hand. I've done a little on line research and Im more confused than when I started.

Jen
 
Most, but not all, OTC meds can be taken by warfarin users. I have found that a licensed pharmacist is a good source for advice on possible interactions or potential INR problems.
 
You can. You just have to make sure it doesn't have aspirin or any non-steroidal anti-inflammatory in it like ibuprofen. Unless you're also on blood-pressure medication, then you have to stay away from decongestants such as pseudoephederine and phenylephrine.*

*per my lovely wife and licensed pharmacist.
 
Jen, sometimes the best approach is to take only a single action type of med;
for example if you would be coughing up phlegm, then take an expectorant. If you would be having a
dry hacking cough, then a cough suppressant may be taken.
Decongestants are to be taken with caution if you are on any BP or BB meds, not a good mix.
Any multi-symptom cold meds usually have Aspirin or Ibuprofen, watch out for those with warfarin.
My doc and pharmacist have given the same cautions but I haven't needed any cold meds, thankfully.
You may want to keep a supply of lemon herbal tissane and a nice jar of honey on hand. So good anytime :)
 

Latest posts

Back
Top