A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Coumadin

Brand Names

; Coumadin®

; Warfilone® (Canada)

Anticoagulant, Coumarin Derivative

If you have an allergy to warfarin or any other part of the medicine.
If you are pregnant.
If you have any of the following conditions: Bleeding disorder; hemophilia; thrombocytopenia purpura; leukemia; recent surgery of the eye or brain; major regional lumbar block anesthesia; surgery resulting in large, open surfaces.
If you also have any of these conditions: Bleeding; aneurysm; malnutrition; polyarthritis; diverticulitis; bleeding into the brain; severe high blood pressure; severe liver disease; pericarditis; endocarditis; visceral cancer; history of warfarin-induced necrosis.
If you are unreliable and you know that you will not take the medicine as directed. Talk with healthcare provider.
If you are a heavy alcohol drinker or binge drinker. Talk with healthcare provider.
If you have a history of falls or are very unsteady on your feet. Talk with healthcare provider.

This medicine is used to thin the blood so that clots will not form. There are a variety of medical conditions where this is needed.

Warfarin prevents the liver from producing the factors that thicken/clot our blood.

Take with or without food. Take with food if this medicine causes an upset stomach. Take at a similar time every day.
Follow diet plan as recommended by healthcare provider. Keep vitamin K intake constant. Talk with nutritionist.

Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Return to your regular schedule.
Do not take a double dose or extra doses.
Do not change dose or stop taking medicine without talking with healthcare provider.

Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.
Wear drug medical alert identification.
Limit alcohol intake (no more than 5 ounces of wine, 1 ounce of liquor, or 12 ounces of beer/day).
If you have had a stomach ulcer or bleeding, tell healthcare provider.
You will have a tendency to bleed more easily. Use caution to prevent injury and avoid falls or accidents.
Tell dentists, surgeons, and other healthcare providers about this medicine.
Avoid other blood thinners (aspirin, aspirin-containing products, ibuprofen or like products, ticlopidine, clopidogrel, garlic, ginseng, ginkgo, vitamin E) unless approved by healthcare provider.
Avoid multivitamins, herbal products, dietary supplements (Ensure® and like products) that contain additional vitamin K .
Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, throat; or any other symptoms involved.
Do not use in pregnancy and do not get pregnant. Use birth control that you can trust while taking this medicine.
Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.

Bleeding problems. This includes nosebleeds, coughing up blood, blood in the urine or stool, or bruising.

Prothrombin time/INR every 4-6 weeks once stable (more frequently before that). Talk with healthcare provider.
Watch for signs and symptoms of bleeding. If any, report them to healthcare provider as soon as possible.
Take good care of your teeth. See a dentist every 6 months.

Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; tightness in the chest; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Severe headache or backache. Passing out, fainting, dizziness, or lightheadedness.
Changes in thinking clearly and logically.
Blood in the stool and toilet bowl, vomiting blood, or coughing up blood.
Any falls or accidents especially if you hit your head (even if you feel fine).
Any change in skin color to a black or purple color.
Any rash.
Unusual bruising or bleeding.

Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, herbal/supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, pharmacist, physician assistant).
Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter or natural products (herbs, vitamins).