MAREVAN®
Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) summary
The full CMI on the next page has more details. If you are worried about using this medicine,
speak to your doctor or pharmacist.
MAREVAN contains the active ingredient warfarin. MAREVAN is used to prevent blood
from excessive clotting or forming harmful clots. For more information, see Section
1. Why am I using MAREVAN? in the full CMI.
Do not use if you have ever had an allergic reaction to MAREVAN or any of the ingredients
listed at the end of the CMI.
Talk to your doctor if you have any other medical conditions, take any other medicines,
or are pregnant or plan to become pregnant or are breastfeeding. For more information, see Section 2. What should I know before I use MAREVAN? in the full CMI.
Some medicines may interfere with MAREVAN and affect how it works.
A list of these medicines is in Section 3. What if I am taking other medicines? in the full CMI.
Follow your doctor’s directions exactly about how much MAREVAN to take. Different
people require different amounts of this medicine, and the dosage is adjusted to suit
you. Your doctor will determine how much to take through blood tests.
MAREVAN should be taken at about the same time each day.
More instructions can be found in Section 4. How do I use MAREVAN? in the full CMI.
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Things you should do
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Remind any doctor, dentist or pharmacist you visit that you are using MAREVAN.
If you are going to have surgery, tell the surgeon or anaesthetist that you are taking
this medicine.
If you become pregnant while taking this medicine, tell your doctor immediately.
If you are about to have any blood tests, tell your doctor that you are taking this
medicine.
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Things you should not do
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Do not stop taking your medicine or lower the dosage without checking with your doctor.
There are two brands of warfarin called MAREVAN and COUMADIN. Do not swap from one
brand to the other.
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Driving or using machines
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Be careful before you drive or use any machines or tools until you know how MAREVAN
affects you.
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Drinking alcohol
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Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol.
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Looking after your medicine
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Keep your tablets in the bottle until it is time to take them. If you take the tablets
out of the bottle they may not keep well.
Keep your tablets in a cool dry place where the temperature stays below 30°C.
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For more information, see Section 5. What should I know while using MAREVAN? in the full CMI.
Speak to your doctor as soon as possible if you notice any of the following side effects,
bruising, nosebleeds, and bleeding from gums after brushing. Call your doctor straight
away or go straight to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital if you notice
any of the following serious side effects, blood in urine, chest pain, difficulty
breathing or swallowing and severe skin wounds.
For more information, including what to do if you have any side effects, see Section
6. Are there any side effects? in the full CMI.
MAREVAN®
Active ingredient(s):
warfarin sodium
Consumer Medicine Information (CMI)
This leaflet provides important information about using MAREVAN. You should also speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you would like further information
or if you have any concerns or questions about using MAREVAN.
Where to find information in this leaflet:
MAREVAN contains the active ingredient warfarin. MAREVAN is an anticoagulant. Some people refer to anticoagulant medicines as “blood
thinners”.
MAREVAN is used to prevent blood from excessive clotting or forming harmful clots.
Excessive clotting sometimes occurs when physical mobility is low. If excessive clotting
is not treated, it can lead to serious health problems such as strokes or heart attacks.
There are two brands of warfarin. They are called MAREVAN and COUMADIN. Do not swap
from one brand to the other.
This medicine is only available with a doctor’s prescription.
Do not use MAREVAN if:
you are allergic to warfarin, or any of the ingredients listed at the end of this
leaflet. Some of the symptoms of an allergic reaction may include:
shortness of breath
wheezing or difficulty breathing
swelling of the face, lips, tongue or other parts of the body
rash, itching or hives on the skin
Always check the ingredients to make sure you can use this medicine.
Do not take MAREVAN if you tend to bleed easily, have any active ulcers or have abnormal
blood cells. This medicine may make bleeding tendencies worse.
Do not take MAREVAN if you have moderate to severe high blood pressure. The risk of
bleeding may be increased by taking this medicine.
Do not take this medicine after the expiry date printed on the pack or if the packaging
is torn or shows signs of tampering. If it has expired or is damaged, return it to
your pharmacist for disposal.
Check with your doctor if you:
have or have had any of the following medical conditions:
liver or intestinal disease such as coeliac disease
kidney disease or impaired kidney function
high blood pressure
a deficiency in Protein C
an ulcer in your stomach or small intestine (duodenum)
red or black bowel motions
bleeding tendencies
fits or convulsions
thyroid problems
heart problems
psychiatric problems
severe diabetes
long-lasting infections, diarrhoea, vomiting or fever
alcoholism
severe allergies.
take any medicines for any other condition
have allergies to any other medicines, foods, preservatives or dyes.
are going to have any dental treatment
have recently had or are going to undergo any surgical procedures or operations
are starting any sporting activities that may result in traumatic injury
If you have not told your doctor about any of the above, tell them before you start
taking MAREVAN.
During treatment, you may be at risk of developing certain side effects. It is important
you understand these risks and how to monitor for them. See additional information
under Section 6. Are there any side effects?
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Check with your doctor if you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant.
Talk to your doctor if you are breastfeeding or intend to breastfeed.
Do not take MAREVAN if you are pregnant.
It may affect your developing baby.
Do not breast-feed if you are taking this medicine.
The active ingredient in MAREVAN passes into breast milk and there is a possibility
that your baby may be affected.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including any
medicines, vitamins or supplements that you buy without a prescription from your pharmacy,
supermarket or health food shop.
Some medicines and foods may interfere with MAREVAN and affect how it works. These
include:
aspirin
any medication used to treat arthritis (including glucosamine and chondroitin)
some medications used to treat blood clots, heart attacks or angina
antihistamines or any cough or cold preparations
some antibiotics
laxatives
vitamin C
vitamin E
vitamin K
St John’s Wort
other herbal preparations (such as garlic, ginseng, feverfew, gingko biloba and ginger)
drinking alcohol
cranberry and grapefruit juice
eating large amounts of green leafy vegetables and/or drastic changes in dietary habits.
Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure about what medicines, vitamins
or supplements you are taking and if these affect MAREVAN.
How much to take
Follow your doctor’s directions exactly about how much MAREVAN to take.
Different people require different amounts of this medicine, and the dosage is adjusted
to suit you.
Your doctor will determine how much to take through blood tests. It is important to
keep all your doctor's appointments so that your progress can be checked.
Follow the instructions provided by your doctor or pharmacist and use MAREVAN until
your doctor tells you to stop.
They may differ from the information contained in this leaflet.
If you do not understand the instructions on the bottle, ask your doctor or pharmacist
for help.
This medicine helps to control your condition, but does not cure it.
Do not stop taking MAREVAN or reduce your dose unless your doctor tells you to.
When to take MAREVAN
MAREVAN should be taken at about the same time each day.
Taking it at the same time each day will have the best effect. It will also help you
remember when to take it.
It does not matter if you take this medicine before or after food.
How to take MAREVAN
Swallow the tablets whole with a glass of water.
Do not crush or chew the tablets.
If you forget to use MAREVAN
MAREVAN should be used regularly at the same time each day.
If you miss your dose, take it as soon as you remember on the same day, and then take
your next dose at the usual time on the next day.
If you do not remember until the next day, skip the dose you missed and wait to take
your next scheduled dose as normal. Do not take a double dose to make up for the dose
you missed.
This may increase the chance of you getting an unwanted side effect.
If you are not sure what to do, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
If you have trouble remembering to take your medicine, ask your pharmacist for some
hints.
If you use too much MAREVAN
If you think that you have used too much MAREVAN, you may need urgent medical attention.
You should immediately:
phone the Poisons Information Centre
(Australia telephone 13 11 26) for advice, or
(Australia telephone 13 11 26) for advice, or
contact your doctor, or
go to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital.
You should do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning.
Possible signs of overdose include bleeding. Blood may also be seen in stools or urine.
Abnormal bruising or abnormal menstrual bleeding may also be experienced.
Things you should do
If you are about to be started on any new medicine, remind your doctor and pharmacist
that you are taking MAREVAN.
If you are going to have surgery, tell the surgeon or anaesthetist that you are taking
this medicine.
It may affect other medicines used during surgery.
If you become pregnant while taking this medicine, tell your doctor immediately.
If you are about to have any blood tests, tell your doctor that you are taking this
medicine.
It may interfere with the results of some tests.
Keep all of your doctor's appointments so that your progress can be checked.
Try to eat a balanced diet.
This minimises the possibility of the food you eat interfering with MAREVAN.
Call your doctor straight away if you:
do not feel well while you are taking MAREVAN.
Remind any doctor, dentist or pharmacist you visit that you are using MAREVAN.
Things you should not do
Do not take MAREVAN to treat any other complaints unless your doctor tells you to.
Do not start or stop taking any other medicines whilst you are taking MAREVAN unless
you have spoken to your doctor.
Do not give your medicine to anyone else, even if they have the same condition as
you.
Do not stop taking your medicine or lower the dosage without checking with your doctor.
There are two brands of warfarin called MAREVAN and COUMADIN. Do not swap from one
brand to the other.
Driving or using machines
Be careful before you drive or use any machines or tools until you know how MAREVAN
affects you.
MAREVAN may cause dizziness in some people
Looking after your medicine
Keep your tablets in the bottle until it is time to take them. If you take the tablets
out of the bottle they may not keep well.
Keep your tablets in a cool dry place where the temperature stays below 30°C.
Keep the tablets away from light.
A locked cupboard at least one-and a-half metres above the ground is a good place
to store medicines.
Follow the instructions on the bottle on how to take care of your medicine properly.
Store it in a cool dry place away from moisture, heat or sunlight; for example, do
not store it:
in the bathroom or near a sink, or
in the car or on window sills.
Keep it where young children cannot reach it.
When to discard your medicine
If your doctor tells you to stop taking this medicine or the expiry date has passed,
ask your pharmacist what to do with any medicine that is left over.
Getting rid of any unwanted medicine
If you no longer need to use this medicine or it is out of date, take it to any pharmacy
for safe disposal.
Do not use this medicine after the expiry date.
All medicines can have side effects. If you do experience any side effects, most of
them are minor and temporary. However, some side effects may need medical attention.
See the information below and, if you need to, ask your doctor or pharmacist if you
have any further questions about side effects.
Less serious side effects
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Less serious side effects
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What to do
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bruising
nosebleeds
bleeding from gums after brushing
increased menstrual flow or heavier periods
purplish & mottled toes
prolonged bleeding from cuts
swollen ankles
painful swelling or discomfort
stomach pain
joint pain
persistent headache or fever
non-healing wounds or lesions or mottling of skin
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Speak to your doctor as soon as possible if you notice any of the following
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Serious side effects
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Serious side effects
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What to do
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red or dark brown urine
symptoms related to a condition called anticoagulant-related nephropathy: blood in
urine, reduced urine output, swelling of the legs, ankles and feet, increased time
for blood to clot (high INR test values), heavy bleeding
persistent diarrhoea
red or black bowel motions
vomiting or coughing up blood
chest pain
difficulty breathing or swallowing
severe skin wounds
a serious fall or injury
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Call your doctor straight away, or go straight to the Emergency Department at your
nearest hospital if you notice any of these serious side effects.
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Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you notice anything else that may be making you
feel unwell.
Other side effects not listed here may occur in some people.
Reporting side effects
After you have received medical advice for any side effects you experience, you can
report side effects to the Therapeutic Goods Administration online at www.tga.gov.au/reporting-problems . By reporting side effects, you can help provide more information on the safety of
this medicine.
Always make sure you speak to your doctor or pharmacist before you decide to stop
taking any of your medicines.
This medicine is only available with a doctor's prescription.
What MAREVAN contains
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Active ingredient
(main ingredient)
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MAREVAN 1 mg -
1 mg warfarin sodium
MAREVAN 3 mg -
3 mg warfarin sodium
MAREVAN 5 mg -
5 mg warfarin sodium
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Other ingredients
(inactive ingredients)
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lactose monohydrate
magnesium stearate
maize starch
pregelatinised maize starch
sodium starch glycollate
indigo carmine (1 mg and 3 mg
only)
iron oxide red (1 mg only)
iron oxide yellow (1 mg only)
erythrosine (5 mg only)
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Potential allergens
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sulfites and sugars as lactose
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Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to any of these ingredients.
What MAREVAN looks like
MAREVAN 1 mg tablets are fawn, scored and bevel edged with “M” embossed above the
score and “1” below. The other side is plain (AUST R 12511).
MAREVAN 3 mg tablets are blue, scored and bevel edged with “M” embossed on one side
above the score and “3” below. Other side is plain (AUST R 12513).
MAREVAN 5 mg tablets are pink, scored and bevel edged with “M” embossed on one side
above the score and “5” below. Other side is plain (AUST R 12514).
MAREVAN is available in bottles containing 50 tablets.
