Based on FDA | Is warfarin made from pork or does it contain any pork-derived ingredients?

Warfarin is not made from pork, and standard warfarin tablets do not contain pork-derived ingredients. Warfarin (a coumarin anticoagulant) is a chemically synthesized drug, and U.S.‑marketed tablets list inactive ingredients such as lactose, starch, hydroxypropyl cellulose, and magnesium stearate, along with color dyes, none of which are pork-derived according to official product labels. ^{[1] [2]}

What warfarin is made of

• Active ingredient: Warfarin sodium (the anticoagulant). ^[1]
• Common inactive ingredients (excipients): lactose monohydrate, starch or pregelatinized starch, hydroxypropyl cellulose, magnesium stearate, and tablet colorants (e.g., FD&C Yellow/Blue/Red aluminum lakes). These are the typical components listed on official labels for multiple manufacturers. ^{[1] [3]}
• Branded Coumadin tablets list similar excipients (lactose, tapioca starch, magnesium stearate, and permitted colorants). ^{[2] [4]}

Animal-origin considerations

• Pork gelatin: not listed in standard warfarin tablet formulations. ^{[1] [2]}
• Heparin vs warfarin: Heparin used for rapid anticoagulation can be derived from porcine sources, but this is a different medication; warfarin is an oral, synthetically produced coumarin used for long‑term anticoagulation. ^[5]
• Lactose: Warfarin tablets often contain lactose from dairy, which may matter for those avoiding animal products for vegan reasons, but it is not pork‑derived. ^{[1] [2]}

Why you may see differences between tablets

Different manufacturers and strengths can use different colorants and minor excipients, but the listed ingredients remain non‑porcine on official labels. ^{[1] [3] [6]} It’s a good idea to check the exact product label (brand, manufacturer, and strength) you have, as dye systems vary by dose color. ^[1]

Practical guidance

• If you must avoid pork for religious or personal reasons, warfarin tablets as listed on official labels do not include pork-derived ingredients. ^{[1] [2]}
• If you need to avoid all animal products, ask your pharmacist to review a lactose‑free formulation; many U.S. warfarin tablets contain lactose, and availability may vary by manufacturer. ^{[1] [3]}
• Always verify the specific National Drug Code (NDC) label for your exact tablet, since excipients can differ slightly by supplier and strength. ^{[1] [3] [2]}

Key takeaways

• Warfarin is a synthetic (not animal‑derived) anticoagulant. ^[7]
• Standard warfarin tablets do not list any pork derivatives such as porcine gelatin. ^{[1] [2]}
• Common excipients include lactose, starch, hydroxypropyl cellulose, magnesium stearate, and approved colorants; check your exact product label to confirm. ^{[1] [3] [2]}