Abstract

Warfarin is an oral anticoagulant, used routinely for patients with atrial fibrillation, deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism and those with a mechanical prosthetic valve. There are several noted adverse reactions associated with its use, in particular the risk of haemorrhage. Other adverse reactions include: hypersensitivity, rash, alopecia, diarrhoea, unexplained drop in haematocrit, purple toes, skin necrosis, jaundice, hepatic dysfunction, nausea, vomiting and pancreatitis. In this case report, an interesting potential adverse reaction to warfarin is discussed. The reaction described affected the patient's tongue, without affecting any other aspect of the oral cavity or body. Clinical Relevance: This case report highlights the potential problems that can be encountered by patients on warfarin therapy, specifically, the possibility for hypersensitivity type reactions.

Authors

Mc AG, Swinson B

Institution

Department of Maxillofacial Surgery, Altnagelvin Area Hospital, Glenshane Road, Londonderry BT47 6SB, UK.

Source

Dental update 39:1 pg 33-4, 37

MeSH

Aged, 80 and over
Anticoagulants
Candidiasis, Oral
Diagnosis, Differential
Erythroplasia
Humans
Leukoplakia, Oral
Male
Oral Ulcer
Tongue Diseases
Tongue Neoplasms
Warfarin

Pub Type(s)

Case Reports
Journal Article

Language

eng

PubMed ID

22720378