Why are Warfarin tablets color-coded?

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Official answer

by Drugs.com

Warfarin is color-coded for safety reasons to help prevent medication errors. For example, the 5 milligram (mg) tablet is a light orange color, no matter the manufacturer, but the pill shape and imprints may vary.

Warfarin (Jantoven) is a widely used blood-thinner (an anticoagulant) approved to help prevent potentially deadly blood clots in the heart, lungs, veins, and arteries.

Warfarin is considered a high-alert drug by the Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP), meaning it can cause serious injury, like bleeding. Therefore, it is very important for you to know about this blood thinner and take it exactly as directed.

Generic warfarin tablets may come in different shapes, but each strength comes in just one color.

  • For example, the 5 milligram (mg) tablet, one of the most common strengths, comes in a peach to light orange color.
  • To help prevent confusion, it's always a peach to light orange color, no matter the manufacturer; however, the tablet shape and imprints may vary.
  • Studies have shown there are few, if any, risks of using generic warfarin.
  • You can view warfarin color examples here.

    • Before you leave the pharmacy, make sure the color of your tablets match the strength your doctor prescribed. If you have questions, speak directly with the pharmacist. Taking the wrong dose may lead to dangerous blood clots or excessive bleeding.

    Still concerned? You can also use the Drugs.com Pill Identifier Wizard to verify medications.

    This is not all the information you need to know about warfarin for safe and effective use and does not take the place of your doctor’s directions. Review the full product information and discuss this information and any questions you have with your doctor or other health care provider.

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