What are the long term problems with taking warfarin or prednisone?
• A: Warfarin (Coumadin) is a blood thinner used to prevent blood clots. The most common side effect with warfarin is bleeding such as bruising, bloody nose etc. More severe bleeding (such as gastrointestinal bleeding) can occur with doses that are too high; risk is reduced with adequate monitoring with blood tests. Other side effects with warfarin include swelling, dizziness, hair loss, rash, abdominal pain, anemia, liver injury, osteoporosis (possible with long-term use), purple toe syndrome. Prednisone is a corticosteroid used to treat a variety of inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, endocrine disorders, skin disorders, respiratory disease etc. The most common side effects with prednisone are insomnia, increased appetite, sweating, stomach upset, mood changes and nervousness. The following side effects are possible with long-term use (the higher the dose and the greater amount of time on prednisone the greater the risk of side effects); weight gain, diabetes, osteoporosis, su
