Warning - Fake Benzos

25.08.10

"We have been made aware that in some other parts of the country warfarin is being supplied illegally to unsuspecting purchasers as 'foreign benzos'. We do not have any evidence that this is happening locally. However we are choosing to circulate this information because any person using it will not obtain any of the effects of benzodiazepines ('benzos') but will of course be exposed to a SIGNIFICANT safety risk.

Warfarin is an anticoagulant, normally available in four strengths and usually pink, blue or brown (or 0.5mg white tablets). Symptoms of excess can be delayed for between 36 and 48 hours and could include unusual bruising/bleeding through to severe haemorrhage. Treatment may be necessary depending on the blood results. There are particular risks to some patients eg peptic ulcer or pregnant

If anyone presents to a practice or elsewhere (eg A&E) with an unexplained high INR with bleeding, this should be discussed with the consultant haematologist on call. (Taken from warning issued by North East Essex Primary Care Trust)"

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