The NHS has released an important alert for people taking warfarin who exhibit symptoms of a urinary tract infection (UTI). It stresses the importance of monitoring specific signs and coordinating treatment carefully, especially because some common remedies may interact dangerously with warfarin.
A UTI can affect parts of your urinary tract including the bladder (cystitis), urethra (urethritis), and kidneys (kidney infection). While UTIs are often treated with antibiotics, they do not always require them. However, persistent symptoms should not be ignored and warrant prompt medical attention.
Common UTI symptoms include:
- Pain or burning while urinating
- Frequent urge to urinate, often producing only small amounts
- Cloudy, dark, bloody, or strange-smelling urine
- Lower abdominal pain or pressure
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In children, UTIs might present as fever, irritability, or poor feeding. For older, frail individuals or those with urinary catheters, symptoms can be more subtle and may include confusion or decreased mobility.
If you have recurring bladder infections and take warfarin, the NHS advises against using cranberry products such as juice, tablets, or capsules without consulting a healthcare professional. Warfarin is an anticoagulant that helps prevent dangerous blood clots by thinning your blood. Cranberries and some other supplements can interfere with its effectiveness or increase bleeding risk.
The NHS also points to some evidence that D-mannose, a type of sugar available in powder or tablet form, may help prevent UTIs. However, D-mannose and cranberry products can contain high levels of sugar, so discuss their use with your doctor, especially during pregnancy.
Do:
- Seek advice from a pharmacist if you’re a woman aged 16 to 64, not pregnant or breastfeeding, as they can provide treatment and guidance for UTIs.
- Contact your GP or call NHS 111 if symptoms persist or worsen.
Don’t:
- Use over-the-counter supplements like cranberry products without medical guidance if you take warfarin.
- Ignore symptoms suggestive of kidney infection or severe illness.
A kidney infection can develop rapidly and may lead to sepsis, a life-threatening condition. Seek immediate emergency help if you or someone you care for experiences confusion, difficulty speaking, extreme drowsiness, or severe illness signs. Do not drive yourself to A&E; instead, call 999 for ambulance assistance and bring all medications with you.
Understanding how UTIs develop can help prevent complications. Bacteria, usually originating from faecal matter, enter the urinary tract through the urethra. Women are more susceptible due to having shorter urethras, which facilitates bacterial access to the bladder and kidneys.
Risk factors increasing bacterial entry into the bladder include factors such as urinary catheters, incomplete bladder emptying, and anatomical differences.
Stay vigilant for UTI symptoms if you are on warfarin, and always consult healthcare professionals before using remedies or supplements to avoid potentially serious interactions.