Warfarin is a coumarin-like anticoagulant forming part of the class of drugs known as vitamin K antagonists. These drugs make it more difficult for blood to clump together, reducing the risk of thrombosis. Warfarin is prescribed following a heart attack, stroke or TIA, as well as to treat thrombosis and cardiac arrhythmia.
Warfarin and the benefit of DNA analysis
The rate at which warfarin is processed within your body varies from one individual to another. This means that the efficacy and side effects of warfarin can be predicted to some extent on the basis of your genes. DNA analysis can therefore be an important tool in optimising your medication.
Warfarin and the enzymes VKORC1 and CYP2C9
Warfarin is processed within the body primarily by the enzymes VKORC1 and CYP2C9. The activity of these enzymes can vary considerably depending on your genetic predisposition, which means the efficacy of warfarin can also differ from person to person.
Information about your genetic predisposition may therefore provide grounds for extra vigilance in relation to the effectiveness of the treatment, for adjustment of the dose or for more frequent checks by the thrombosis clinic.
Read more about VKORC1 / CYP2C9 and warfarin »
Also known as
Warfarin sodium, Athrombin, Athrombin-K, Athrombine-K, Brumolin, Co-Rax, Coumadin, Coumadin Tabs, Coumafen, Coumafene, Coumaphen, Coumaphene, Coumarins, Coumefene, D-Con, Dethmor, Dethnel, Dicusat E, Frass-Ratron, Jantoven, Kumader, Kumadu, Kumatox, Kypfarin, Latka 42, Mar-Frin, Marevan, Maveran, Panwarfin, Place-Pax, Prothromadin, RAX, Rosex, Sofarin, Solfarin, Sorexa Plus, Temus W, Tintorane, Tox-Hid, Vampirinip II, Vampirinip III, Waran, Warf 42, Warfarat, Warfarin Plus, Warfarin Q, Warfarine, Warficide, Warfilone, Zoocoumarin