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Coumadin, |Coumadin

Coumadin

Generic Name: warfarin (WAR far in)
Brand Names: Coumadin

What is warfarin?

Warfarin is an anticoagulant (blood thinner). Warfarin reduces the formation of blood clots.

Warfarin is used to prevent heart attacks, strokes, and blood clots in veins and arteries.

Warfarin may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about warfarin?

If you need to have a lumbar puncture (spinal tap) or any type of surgery, you may need to temporarily stop using warfarin. Be sure the surgeon knows ahead of time that you are using this medication.

Avoid sudden changes in your diet. Vitamin K decreases the effects of warfarin. Large amounts of vitamin K are found in foods such as liver, broccoli, brussels sprouts, spinach, Swiss chard, coriander, collards, cabbage, and other green leafy vegetables. Do not change the amount of these foods in your diet without first talking to your doctor.

Avoid eating cranberries, drinking cranberry juice, or taking cranberry herbal products.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking warfarin?

• a bleeding disorder such as hemophilia;

• a blood cell disorder such as anemia;

• a stomach ulcer or bleeding in the stomach;

• a history of aneurysm, blood clot, or bleeding in your brain; or

• an infection of your heart, fluid or swelling around your heart.

Before taking warfarin, tell your doctor if you have:

• kidney disease;
• liver disease;

• celiac sprue (an intestinal disorder);

• a recent injury, surgery, or medical emergency;

• high blood pressure;

• severe or uncontrolled diabetes;

• polycythemia vera;

• congestive heart failure;

• cancer;

• overactive thyroid;

• a seizure disorder for which you take an anticonvulsant such as phenytoin (Dilantin) or phenobarbital (Luminal); or

• a connective tissue disorder such as Marfan Syndrome, Sjogren syndrome, scleroderma, rheumatoid arthritis, or lupus.

If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use warfarin, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.

Tell your doctor (or dentist) that you are taking warfarin before you take an antibiotic or before having surgery.

How should I take warfarin?

Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results from this medication. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Your body"s response to warfarin can be affected by your diet, environment, physical well-being, and other medicines or herbal (botanical) products you use.

It is important to take warfarin regularly to get the most benefit. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.

To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.

If you need to have a lumbar puncture (spinal tap) or any type of dental work or surgery, you may need to temporarily stop using warfarin. Be sure your doctors know ahead of time that you are using this medication.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember, and call your doctor as soon as possible. You may take two doses on the same day, but do not take two doses at the same time.

What happens if I overdose?

Symptoms of a warfarin overdose may include bruising, broken blood vessels under the skin, excessive bleeding from cuts or wounds, blood in the urine or stools, and heavy menstrual periods in women.

What should I avoid while taking warfarin?

Avoid sudden changes in your diet. Vitamin K decreases the effects of warfarin. Large amounts of vitamin K are found in foods such as liver, broccoli, brussels sprouts, spinach, Swiss chard, coriander, collards, cabbage, and other green leafy vegetables. Do not change the amount of these foods in your diet without first talking to your doctor.

Avoid eating cranberries, drinking cranberry juice, or taking cranberry herbal products.

Avoid sports or activities that could result in a bruising or bleeding injury. Use extra caution to avoid cuts when brushing your teeth or shaving.

Warfarin side effects

• skin changes or discoloration anywhere on your body;

• purple toes or fingers;

• pain in your stomach, back, or sides;

• low fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);

• diarrhea, fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms;

• easy bruising or bleeding that will not stop;

• blood in your urine;

• black, bloody, or tarry stools;

• nosebleeds, bleeding gums, coughing up blood;

• feeling weak or light-headed;

• sudden headache, confusion, problems with vision, speech, or balance;

• sudden leg or foot pain; or

• sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body.

Other less serious side effects are more likely to occur, such as:

• nausea, vomiting, stomach pain;

• gas and bloating; or

• hair loss.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect warfarin?

Warfarin can interact with the following herbal (botanical) products:

• bromelains;

• coenzyme Q10;

• danshen;

• dong quai;

• garlic;

• ginkgo biloba;

• ginseng; or

• St. John"s wort.

Do not use any of these products without first asking your doctor. Some of these herbal products can cause you to bleed while you are also taking warfarin.

Where can I get more information?

• Your pharmacist has information about warfarin written for health professionals that you may read.

What does my medication look like?

Warfarin is available with a prescription under the brand name Coumadin. Other brand or generic forms may also be available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.

• Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
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