What are the risks of drinking cranberry or grapefruit juice while taking warfarin?

Cranberry and grapefruit juice can inhibit liver enzymes, increasing warfarin levels and significantly raising the risk of dangerous bleeding and bruising.

How many people in the UK take warfarin?

Approximately 1.2 million people across the UK take the anticoagulant warfarin.

Why is a stable diet important for warfarin users?

Maintaining a stable diet ensures that the dosage of warfarin is more likely to remain consistent and effective, preventing dangerous fluctuations in blood thinning.

Home / Health / Warfarin Warning: Two Juices Could Be Deadly

Warfarin Warning: Two Juices Could Be Deadly

27 Jan

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Summary

Warfarin, used by 1.2 million in the UK, thins blood.
Cranberry and grapefruit juice drastically increase bleeding risk.
Diet stability is crucial for consistent warfarin dosage.

Warfarin Warning: Two Juices Could Be Deadly

In the UK, approximately 1.2 million individuals currently use warfarin, a vital anticoagulant medication designed to prevent potentially fatal blood clots by improving blood flow. Patients typically take this medication daily and require regular blood tests, at least every 12 weeks, to ensure their dosage is correct and to allow for necessary adjustments.

Individuals on warfarin must also carry an alert card and inform healthcare professionals of their medication before any medical or dental procedures. While common side effects include hair loss and mild rash, a rare but severe risk is bleeding in the brain, requiring immediate emergency medical attention.

Furthermore, the NHS has issued specific dietary guidelines, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a stable diet. Crucially, both cranberry and grapefruit juice must be completely avoided. These juices inhibit liver enzymes, increasing warfarin levels in the bloodstream and significantly raising the risk of dangerous bleeding and bruising.