Coumadin (Warfarin)

General information

Coumadin is an anticoagulant (blood thinner). It reduces the formation of blood clots by blocking the formation of certain clotting factors. Coumadin is used to prevent heart attacks, strokes, and blood clots in veins and arteries. Treatment with Coumadin can help prevent formation of future blood clots and help reduce the risk of embolism.

Directions

Take Coumadin exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Take Coumadin at the same time every day. Coumadin can be taken with or without food. Never take a double dose of this medication. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results.

Precautions

Consult your doctor before taking any medicine for pain, arthritis, fever, or swelling. Do not eat large amounts of foods high in vitamin K. Vitamin K can make Coumadin less effective. Avoid eating cranberries, drinking cranberry juice, alcohol.

Contraindications

Pregnant women, patients with liver or kidney failure, acute arterial hypertension can't use Coumadin.

Possible side effect

Seek emergency medical help if any of these severe side effects occur: rash, hives, itching, yellowing of the skin or eyes, difficulty breathing, bloody stools, blood in the urine, dizziness, increased menstrual or vaginal bleeding, unusual headache or weakness. If you have questions about side effects, contact your doctor for medical advice.

Drug interactions

Coumadin can interact with certain herbal products, which can increase your risk of bleeding. It interacts with many commonly-used drugs: aspirin, oxandrolone, ibuprofen, certain vitamins. Tell your doctor about all medications you use including prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

Missed dose

Take the missed dose as soon as possible. Skip the missed dose if it is time for your next scheduled dose. Don't take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Overdose

If you think you have overdosed the medicine seek emergency medical help at once. Overdose can cause excessive bleeding.

Storage

Store the medicine at room temperature away from light. Store it in a tight container.

Note

The information presented at the site has a general character. Note please this information cannot be used for self-treatment and self diagnosis. You should consult with your doctor or health care adviser regarding any specific instructions of your condition. The information is reliable, but we concede it could contain mistakes. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other damage caused by use of this information on the site and also for consequences of self-treatment.