Coumadin (Warfarin)

Description

Chemical Name: Warfarin (WAR-far-in)

COUMADIN is an anticoagulant (blood thinner) used to prevent blood clots from forming or growing larger in the body. It is commonly used to prevent heart attacks, strokes, and blood clots in veins and arteries .It is often prescribed for patients with certain types of irregular heartbeat and after a heart attack or heart valve replacement surgery. It works by stopping the formation of substances that cause clots.

Directions

Take COUMADIN as directed by your doctor. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results. Take COUMADIN at the same time every day; it can be taken with or without food. Avoid dieting to lose weight while taking this medication. Tell your doctor if your body weight changes for any reason.

Cautions

Before taking COUMADIN, tell your doctor about:

• Any allergies to this medication or any other substances
• Your medical history, especially of: blood disorders (such as anemia, hemophilia), bleeding problems (such as bleeding of the stomach/intestines, bleeding in the brain), blood vessel disorders (such as aneurysms), recent major injury/surgery, liver disease, alcohol use, mental/mood disorders (including memory problems), frequent falls/injuries
• Any planned surgery or any medical/dental procedures
• Any prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products you may be using.

• hemophilia or any bleeding disorder that is inherited or caused by disease
• a blood cell disorder such as anemia or a low level of platelets in your blood
• blood in your urine or stools, or if you have been coughing up blood
• an infection of the lining of your heart (also called bacterial endocarditis)
• stomach or intestinal bleeding or ulcer
• recent head injury, aneurysm, or bleeding in the brain
• if you have recently had or will soon have any type of surgery
• if you undergo a spinal tap or receive spinal anesthesia (epidural)

• Older adults may be at greater risk for bleeding while using COUMADIN
• Do not use this medication during pregnancy because it can seriously (possibly fatal) harm to an unborn baby.
• Very small amounts of this medication may pass into breast milk but is unlikely to harm a nursing infant.
• Do not take a double dose of COUMADIN or take it together with other products that contain warfarin or coumarin.

Side Effects

Common side effects may include:

• nausea, vomiting
• mild stomach pain
• bloating, gas
• altered sense of taste

• pain, swelling, hot or cold feeling, skin changes, or discoloration anywhere on your body
• sudden and severe leg or foot pain, foot ulcer, purple toes or fingers
• sudden headache, dizziness, or weakness
• unusual bleeding (nose, mouth, vagina, or rectum), bleeding from wounds or needle injections, any bleeding that will not stop
• easy bruising, purple or red pinpoint spots under your skin
• blood in your urine, black or bloody stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds
• pale skin, feeling light-headed or short of breath, rapid heart rate, trouble concentrating
• dark urine, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
• pain in your stomach, back, or sides
• urinating less than usual or not at all
• numbness or muscle weakness
• any illness with diarrhea, fever, chills, body aches, or flu symptoms

If you have not been eating well, if you have an illness or infection that causes fever, vomiting, or diarrhea for more than 2 days, or if you start using any antibiotic medications, contact your doctor or pharmacist immediately because these conditions can affect how COUMADIN works.