Dosing With Jantoven: An Introduction
The dose of
Jantoven® (
warfarin sodium) your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on how you respond to the medication (as measured using regular blood tests). As is always the case, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do. Dosing for this drug can be quite tricky, and you must be careful to follow your healthcare provider's instructions at all times.
Understanding Jantoven Dosages
Jantoven is not dosed like most other medications. While it can be a life-saving drug, unfortunately, the side effects can be life-threatening. Taking too little increases your risk for blood clots and
strokes, and taking too much increases your risk for dangerous internal bleeding. Therefore, dosing must be individualized. Sometimes frequent adjustments are necessary, although ideally, most people will achieve a somewhat steady dose.
Adjusting Your Dose of Jantoven
Several factors may cause your Jantoven dosage to be adjusted. Often, starting or stopping another medication (or even just changing the dose) can affect the amount prescribed, since many medications interact with Jantoven
(see Jantoven Drug Interactions). Changes in the diet can also affect dosing requirements
(see Coumadin Diet). Sometimes, there is no apparent reason for the change, which is why frequent monitoring is necessary, even for people stable with a dose.
Please be honest and accurate with your healthcare provider about any Jantoven doses you have missed or any dietary changes that have occurred. Your healthcare provider will adjust your dose based on the information you provide, and providing inaccurate information may lead to a dangerous overdose or underdose.
Since dosing with Jantoven can be complicated, many people find it useful to keep track of their dosage using a calendar. This is especially useful for people who do not take the same amount every day (such as one dose on certain days of the week and a different dose on other days).
