the short answer is: yes it can. warfarin is generally called a "blood thinner. " the drug works by interrupting the production of blood clotting components that depend on vitamin k. in other words warfarin makes it difficult for your blood to clot. this is why people who take warfarin are routinely warned to be careful shaving or performing other activities in which they may cut themselves. even a small wound can bleed a lot when a person is on warfarin. warfarin is normally prescribed to people who have experienced excessive clotting (like a deep vein thrombosis or dvt ) or who have certain heart conditions that may increase the chance of a clot occurring (such as atrial fibrillation or 'a-fib '). however warfarin also may be prescribed on a short- or long-term basis for a host of other medical issues such as reducing the risk of a dvt after joint replacement surgery. a person who abruptly stops taking warfarin is at a higher risk for stroke because the blood regains its ability to clot. stroke in the brain can be caused when a clot blocks an artery carrying vital oxygen to brain tissues. if the brain tissue is deprived of oxygen in this way the tissue will die. if you have been prescribed warfarin and are unsure why you are taking or whether you need to continue taking it please consult your doctor. do not stop taking warfarin without advice from your physician as it could be very harmful to your health. wishing you well!
can stopping warfarin cause a stroke?