Warfarin & Blood Clots: Understanding How It Works

Warfarin does not dissolve blood clots. It is an anticoagulant, which means that it prevents blood from clotting. It works by interfering with the body's ability to produce clotting factors, which are proteins that are needed for blood to clot. Warfarin is used to treat and prevent blood clots, such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE). It is also used to prevent strokes in people with atrial fibrillation (a heart rhythm disorder) and in people who have had a heart valve replacement.