Why do I have to take Warfarin for 6 months

[20mg]

This past June I was hospitalized with three blood clots in my lungs. My hematologist determined that the clots were caused by Loestrin 24 birth control. ( I had been taking the pill for about 2 months before the clots happened). He has me on warfarin treatment for 6 months. I realize why I need to take them but why do I have to take them for so long? I've completed three and a half months of treatment and want to stop because my husband and I want to start a family. I'm not on the pill anymore so why can't I stop taking the warfarin now?

[enigmaticj]

The treatment for pulmonary embolism is prolonged to ensure that no new clots form and the old clots get absorbed.

[Moe D]

To keep the blood from clotting again....dont start a family just now..give your self time to heal and get back to normal.

[tinmuning]

There are 2 approaches with regards to treatment duration of Warfarin in patients with pulmonary embolism: a patient can be on warfarin for 3 months or 6 months.

Now, studies show that more patients in the 3 months group had adverse outcomes as a result of deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism compared those who have been taking the drug for 6 months.