WHAT IS ARTIFLO?

ARTIFLO belongs to a group of medicines called anticoagulants which is a blood thinning medicines.

CONSUMER MEDICINE INFORMATION:

THERAPEUTIC USES:

What ARTIFLO is used for??

• ARTIFLO is used to treat and prevent blood clots blocking the blood vessels e.g. deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
• ARTIFLO does not dissolve blood clots that have already formed but it may stop the clots from becoming larger and causing more serious problems

INTERACTIONS:

Tell your doctor if you are taking or have recently taken any other medicines, including medicines obtained without prescription

• heparin or other anticoagulants to thin the blood in the treatment of deep vein thrombosis, blood clots or after surgery.
• antibiotics (e.g. clindamycin).
• Salicylic acid and related substances (e.g. Acetyl salicylic acid, aminosalicylic acid, diflunisal) medicine used against pain.
• Anabolic steroids - used as replacement therapy androgens such as testosterone and mesterolone - used as replacement therapy..
• Corticosteroids such as prednisolone and methylprednisolone - steroids used to treat inflammatory bowel disease, arthritis and certain skin conditions..
• anti-arrhythmic agents such as amiodarone and quinidine - medicines for an irregular heartbeat.
• disulfiram - for alcohol dependence.
• etacrynic acid or thiazide diuretics (water tablets) such as Bendroflumethiazide or metolazone - for water retention or high blood pressure.
• tramadol - a strong pain killer.
• tamoxifen - for breast cancer and fertility.
• azathioprine - for organ transplantation, chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.
• Proton pump inhibitors (e.g. omeprazole).
• sulphonylureas such as tolbutamide, chlorpropamide and glibenclamide - oral medicines for diabetes.
• plasminogen activators (e.g. urokinase; streptokinase and alteplase, thrombin inhibitors (e.g. argatroben) - medicines used to breakdown blood clots during heart stroke.
• statins and other lipid lowering drugs such as fenofibrate, simvastatin or colestyramine - used to lower blood cholesterol levels.
• Prokinetic agents (e.g. cisapride) - medicines used against HIV disease antacids (e.g. magnesium hydroxide) and viloxazine - medicine used against stomach acidity..
• antineoplastics such as mercaptopurine and 5-fluorouracil - for breast, gastrointestinal and skin cancer.
• agonists such as cimetidine or ranitidine - used to treat stomach or intestinal ulcers.
• amino glutethimide - used to treat cancer or Cushings syndrome.
• protease inhibitors such as ritonavir or indinavir - used to treat HIV.
• barbiturates such as sodium amytal or Phenobarbital and carbamazepine - for epilepsy or to help you sleep.
• oral contraceptives such as Femodene, Logynon and Cilest - for birth control.
• rifampicin - medicine used against infection

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Taking with food and drink:

• Be careful when drinking alcohol as it may affect how ARTIFLO thins your blood.
• You should avoid drinking cranberry juice or taking other cranberry products, such as capsules or concentrates as this could mean you do not receive the correct amount of acenocoumarol.

DIRECTIONS FOR USE:

Always take ARTIFLO exactly as your doctor has told you to:

• ARTIFLO should be taken as a single dose at the same time every day. Swallow your tablets whole with a drink of water.
• Your doctor will decide on your dose by doing regular blood tests during treatment with ARTIFLO.
• You should not receive any injections into your muscles whilst you are taking ARTIFLO.
• If you need any injections into your spine or as part of a scan or X-ray test or if you need minor surgery, including dental surgery, make sure you discuss your treatment with your doctor first.
• The usual starting dose is between 2 mg/day to 4 mg/day without administration of a loading dose.Treatment can be started with a loading dose regimen, usually 6 mg on the first day followed by 4 mg on the second day.
• Elderly patients, patients with liver disease or severe heart failure or malnourished patients may need lower doses

SIDE EFFECTS:

Like all medicines, ARTIFLO can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them.

COMMON:

• unusual bleeding such as bleeding from the gums, unexplained bruising or nosebleeds.
• heavy periods.
• heavy bleeding from cuts or wounds.

RARE:

• allergic reaction in the form of skin rash, or itching.
• skin rashes.
• itching.
• unexplained fever.
• loss of appetite.
• feeling or being sick.
• unusual hair loss

VERY RARE:

• bruising with blistering of the skin with or without scars, usually in areas of thighs, buttocks, abdomen, breast or sometimes in the toes.
• bruising or bleeding under the skin (possible sign of vasculitis).
• jaundice (possible signs of liver injury)

WARNING & PRECAUTIONS:

TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR:

Talk to your doctor before taking this medicine, if you:

• are allergic (hypersensitive) to acenocoumarol or any other medicines.
• have any mental illness for example, schizophrenia or dementia.
• have or had an operation on your spine, brain, eyes or any major surgery.
• have had a stroke caused by bleeding into your brain.
• suffer from very high blood pressure.
• have a stomach ulcer or any intestinal bleeding.
• pass blood in your water or cough up blood.
• suffer from any bleeding disorders, bleeding problems or unexplained bruising.
• have pericarditis or endocarditis..
• have severe liver or kidney disease.
• have an infection or inflammation (swelling).
• have a disorder affecting the absorption of food from the stomach and/or intestine.
• have heart failure.
• have an overactive thyroid.
• suffer from a blood disorder such as protein C or protein S deficiency.

PREGNANCY AND BREAST-FEEDING:

• If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor for advice before taking this medicine

CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS:

• Experience with ARTIFLO in children and adolescents is limited and so these patients need more frequent check-ups.

DRIVING AND USING MACHINES:

• ARTIFLO has no influence on the ability to drive or use machines.

STORAGE:

• Keep out of reach of children.
• Do not take ARTIFLO after the expiry date.
• Store at room temperature 15C to 25C.

FAQs:

Q1.If I take more ARTIFLO? If you accidentally take too many tablets, or someone else takes any of your medicine, you should tell your doctor immediately or contact the nearest accident and emergency department.

Q2.If I forget take a dose of ARTIFLO? Do not worry. If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as possible, unless it is almost time to take the next dose. Do not take a double dose. Then go on as before.

Q3.If you stop taking ARTIFLO? Do not stop using ARTIFLO unless your doctor advice to do so.

Disclaimer:

The contents of this website are for informational purposes only and not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.