In the context of warfarin: An abnormality that forms on the skin in response to starting warfarin. A rare side effect.

Abnormal drowsiness. People may appear lazy, sluggish, or indifferent.

A form of heparin, the most commonly used medicine in this group is enoxaparin. Can be used at the beginning of warfarin therapy or alone to treat or prevent clotting problems, especially after surgery and in people who are bedridden for a long time. Has an immediate anticoagulant action (compared to warfarin which takes a few days to have an effect).

One of the brands of warfarin available in Australia. Produced in 1mg, 3mg and 5mg tablets.

An artificial heart valve designed to replicate the function of normal heart valves. Mechanical valves have the advantage of being able to last indefinitely, but require lifelong treatment with anticoagulants, such as warfarin. Also called prosthetic heart valves.

A personalised, engraved bracelet or pendant which can be worn by people with important medical conditions. The MedicAlert^® lets medical and emergency workers know that there is something important that they may need to know about this person's health and they can then access this information. For more information, or an application form, ask your pharmacist, phone 1800 822 222, or visitwww.medicalert.com.au

The process by which medicines are handled in the body. Often refers to changing the medicine to another chemical so it can be removed from the body.

A valve in the heart that separates the top chamber from the bottom chamber, on the left side.

Also known as a heart attack. Where there is insufficient blood supply to the heart muscle that causes chest pain and death or damage of heart muscle.

Strictly defined as death of a portion of tissue. May be caused by loss of blood supply, corrosion from chemicals, burning, or a lesion caused by disease.

Non Steroidal Anti Inflammatory Drug. A medicine used to treat pain and inflammation.

A disease which affects the blood vessels outside of the heart, especially affecting those vessels supplying the extremities such as the fingers and toes.

The brand name of a medicine used to reduce the risk of strokes through antiplatelet actions. Contains dipyridamole.

The study of the metabolism and action of drugs in the body. It involves absorption, duration of action, distribution in the body, and method of elimination.

The properties and reactions of medicines in the body.

The practice or profession of preparing and dispensing medical drugs. May also refer to the premises or store where pharmacy is practiced.

An anticoagulant medicine in the same family as warfarin. This medicine is much not used as much as warfarin because of the high rate of allergic reactions associated with it.

One of the brands of clopidogrel available in Australia.

Small portable device that is capable of being taken to the patient to monitor the test of interest. Here we talk about point-of-care monitors using a finger prick to monitor INR blood tests. They are also available for many other tests including blood sugar and cholesterol.

An information hotline for people requiring advice on overdoses of medicine or contact with other poisons (for example household and agricultural chemicals). Phone 13 11 26 to contact them (24 hour service).

To be more susceptible to a disease or condition.

The outcome of a medical condition such as, the chances the condition will improve, remain unchanged or worsen.

An artificial heart valve designed to replicate the function of normal heart valves. Mechanical valves have the advantage of being able to last indefinitely, but require lifelong treatment with anticoagulants, such as warfarin. Also called mechanical heart valves.

A rare genetic condition that makes it more likely someone will develop a clotting disorder. Protein C usually works in the body to help stop unwanted clotting, so lower levels mean that clots may occur when they are not necessary. Treatment with anticoagulants or antiplatelet agents is common.

One of the portable INR monitors available in Australia. http://protimetest.com/

Prothrombin Time test. Measures the time for a blood sample to clot in a laboratory. This time may differ from laboratory to laboratory so is often expressed as the INR to remove the differences between laboratories.

The artery carrying blood from the heart to the lungs.

A blockage of the pulmonary artery, or one its branches, produced by something that has travelled through the blood and become stuck. Most often the blockage is cause by a blood clot formed in the leg that has broken off and travelled to the lungs.

The heart valve that separates the pulmonary artery from the right side of the heart. It stops blood flowing back into the heart from the artery.

Occurs when a small piece of cholesterol (a cholesterol emboli) breaks off and travels through the blood to the toes and obstructs a blood vessel. Most commonly causes skin symptoms. A rare side effect that may happen in the first few weeks of anticoagulant treatment.