Coumadin (Warfarin)

What is Coumadin?

Coumadin is a blood thinner (an anticoagulant). It prevents formation of blood clots in the body.

What is Coumadin used for?

Coumadin is used to treat blood clots (like pulmonary embolus (PE) or deep vein thrombosis (DVT)). It reduces the risk of heart attacks or strokes. The drug also helps in reducing the risk of death or blood clotting events after a heart attack.

How does Coumadin work?

Coumadin works by blocking the formation of certain clotting factors and thereby reducing the formation of blood clots.

How to use Coumadin

Coumadin should be taken in the manner prescribed by the doctor. Taking it for longer periods or in larger amounts than recommended can cause health problems.

The drug is usually taken with a full glass of water. It can be taken with or without food. Remember to take the medicine at the same time each day.

Get your blood tested on a regular basis while using Coumadin.

Coumadin warnings and precautions

Do not use this drug if you have a blood cell disorder (anemia), bleeding disorder (hemophilia), stomach bleeding or stomach ulcer, heart infection or swelling around the heart, or if you have a history of blood clot, aneurysm, or bleeding in the brain.

Prior to taking Coumadin, tell your doctor if you have liver or kidney disease, high blood pressure, overactive thyroid, congestive heart failure, polycythemia vera, cancer, intestinal disorder such as celiac sprue, uncontrolled diabetes, a seizure disorder for which you take an anticonvulsant such as phenobarbital (Luminal) or phenytoin (Dilantin); a connective tissue disorder such as Sjogren syndrome, Marfan Syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma, or lupus; or if you have had an injury, surgery or medical emergency recently.                                      

What do I do if I have missed a Coumadin dose?

If you have missed your Coumadin dose, you can take the missed dose as soon as you remember but do not take it if it is time for your next dose.

What do I do if I have taken a Coumadin overdose?

If you have taken a Coumadin overdose, you should seek medical attention.

Coumadin interactions

Before taking Coumadin, tell your doctor if you take herbal (botanical) products such as coenzyme Q10, bromelains, garlic, ginseng, danshen, St. John's wort, dong quai, or ginkgo biloba. Such products can interact with Coumadin and the interaction can be fatal.

Tell your doctor about all prescription and non prescription drugs that you use. Also, do not take any medicine without consulting your doctor.

Coumadin side effects

Coumadin side effects include hives, breathing difficulty, stomach ache, back ache, skin changes or discoloration on any part of the body, dark urine or blood in urine, purple fingers or toes, fever, chills, jaundice, diarrhea, loss of appetite, bleeding gums, nosebleeds, coughing up blood, easy bruising, unstoppable bleeding, black or bloody stools, weakness, sudden headache, problems with vision, speech or balance; sudden pain in the leg or foot, confusion, swelling of face, tongue, lips or throat and other allergic reactions. If you get any of these side effects after using Coumadin, contact your doctor right away.

Hair loss, gas, bloating, nausea and vomiting are some less serious side effects of Coumadin.