Deadly drug combo warning: Common painkillers and blood thinners could cause bleeding.Credit: HeungSoon, Pixabay
Health experts have issued a serious warning over mixing two widely used medications. Combining warfarin — a common blood thinner — with anti-inflammatory painkillers could dramatically hike your risk of internal bleeding, particularly in the digestive tract.
A recent warning by Hanna Forsberg, a pharmaceutical scientist and pharmacy assistant at the University of Tampere, has come after growing concern over the possible dangers of people self-medicating.
In an interview published by Ilta Sanomat, Finland’s leading news site, Forsberg said: “The combination increases the risk of bleeding — especially in the digestive tract.”
A clash in the bloodstream
Warfarin, sold under brand names like Marevan in the UK and Aldocumar in Spain, is a lifeline for patients at risk of blood clots, strokes or heart attacks. It works by blocking the liver’s ability to make clotting factors that rely on vitamin K. Clever, but also incredibly risky if you add the wrong drug into the mix.
Throw in an anti-inflammatory like ibuprofen or naproxen — and you’ve got a recipe for potential disaster. These painkillers can irritate the stomach lining and thin the blood even further. In combo with warfarin? You could be bleeding internally without even knowing it.
Paracetamol gets the green light (but don’t get too comfy)
There is one exception. Experts say that warfarin users can take paracetamol (known in some parts as acetaminophen) to deal with pain or fever for a short time without a prescription. But long-term or regular use should always be discussed with a doctor.
In short — don’t DIY your drug cocktail.
Don’t mix, don’t guess, do ask
This isn’t just some overblown health scare. Warfarin is a high-risk, high-stakes medication. Even small changes — like a new diet, supplement or innocent-looking pill — can tip the scales towards a haemorrhage.
So if you’re on blood thinners and have a headache, bad back or flu, don’t just grab the nearest painkiller. See a doctor.
Why gamble?
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