Taking warfarin at the same time as glipizide or glimepiride may increase the risk of hospitalization, according to a study published online Dec 7 in The BMJ.

Researchers analyzed data from 465,918 Medicare patients. They found that those who took warfarin along with the sulfonylureas glipizide or glimepiride had a 22% increased risk of an ER visit or hospitalization for hypoglycemia.

The risk was especially high for men aged 65 to 74. Of the approximately 100,000 older Americans hospitalized each year for medication-related problems, 40% are for reactions to warfarin or diabetes drugs, the researchers said.

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