A patient is admitted to the hospital, and the provider orders gemfibrozil (Lopid) 600 mg twice daily, 30 minutes prior to meals. The nurse learns that the patient takes warfarin (Coumadin) once daily. The nurse will contact the provider to discuss

Question

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Gemfibrozil can interact with warfarin and increase the risk of bleeding. Therefore, ordering frequent INR (international normalized ratio) levels to monitor the patient's clotting time is necessary. Adjusting the dose of gemfibrozil or warfarin may also be necessary, but this decision should be made by the provider after reviewing the patient's INR levels. Giving warfarin at noon is not a recommended solution for this possible drug interaction.

A Patient Is Admitted to the Hospital, and the Provider