title: Unusual side effects due to warfarin.
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.
authors.affiliation: Health Sciences Centre, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg.
authors.forename: M J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Krahn
authors.forename: N M
authors.initials: NM
authors.lastname: Pettigrew
authors.forename: T E
authors.initials: TE
authors.lastname: Cuddy
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D014034:Toes / Q000098:blood supply*; D014657:Vasculitis / Q000139:chemically induced*; D014859:Warfarin / Q000009:adverse effects*
chemical_list: D000925:Anticoagulants; D014859:Warfarin