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Published on: February 28, 2012
Unusual side effects due to warfarin
M J Krahn1, N M Pettigrew, T E Cuddy
1Health Sciences Centre, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg.
Abstract:
Two cases demonstrating unusual side effects of warfarin are described. The first case illustrates the 'purple toes' syndrome, which occurred as a complication following the use of warfarin for the treatment of atrial fibrillation and stroke. The second case is an example of warfarin-induced vasculitis in a patient with a mechanical valve prosthesis. He was unable to tolerate warfarin but was successfully managed with nicoumalone, a related compound. These complications are rare but potentially dangerous effects of a commonly used agent, warfarin.
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