Q: Will taking Tylenol or Advil affect my INR levels?

I am taking Warfarin since I have a mechanical heart valve and am having a difficult time staying around my target blood level. I am wondering if taking Tylenol or Advil or other such over the counter meds for aches and pains is affecting my INR levels.

Q: Dr. Gourmet Says...

You should not take any over the counter medications without checking with your physician. There is an increased risk of bleeding when taking such medications as Aleve, Naprosyn, ibuprofen, aspirin, Advil and Nuprin.

It is very important to discuss your specific pains with your doctor to determine how best to treat this.

Thanks for writing,

Dr. Gourmet
Eat well, eat healthy, enjoy life!