Drug Name: Coumadin
Brand Name: Coumadin
Generic Name: Warfarin (war' far in)
Uses: Coumadin is a medication used to prevent the formation of blood clots in the body. It is also used to prevent blood clots from growing larger especially after a heart attack or heart surgery. Coumadin is also used to treat certain types of irregular heartbeat and lung cancers in combination with other drugs. Above all, it helps stop blood clotting.
How to use: Coumadin comes as a tablet to be taken once a day.
Side Effects: Among the side effects of Coumadin include headache, diarrhea, skin rash, fever and upset stomach. The drug may also turn your urine into red-orange. Seek immediate medical attention if your urine contains blood or if you experience unusual bleeding or bruising, stomach pain, unexplained fever, black or bloody stools, tiredness, chills or sore throat.
Precautions: Coumadin is found to be harmful to an unborn baby as this can cause birth defects. Please inform your doctor if you are pregnant. This drug should also not be used by those who are allergic to tartrazine -- a yellow dye found in some medications and processed food, and aspirin. Avoid doing activities that may cause injury since the risk of bleeding is very high if you are under this medication.
Drug Interaction: Coumadin may interact with certain vitamins and other medications intended to treat heart and thyroid problems, diabetes, digestive problems, high cholesterol, gout, cancer, depression and epilepsy. It may also interact with aspirin, cimetidine, antibiotics, non-steroidal anti-iflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen and naproxen, and herbal products such as garlic, bromelains, danshen, St. John's wort, dong quai and Ginkgo biloba.
Overdose: Signs of Coumadin overdose may include severe bleeding, excessive bruising, bleeding of the nose or gums, or blood in the urine or stool. Call your doctor immediately if these signs are present.
Notes: Limit your consumption of food enriched with vitamin K such as liver, cauliflower, green leafy vegetables or broccoli while you are taking Coumadin. Please take time to discuss your diet with your doctor. There may be a need for you to stop taking Coumadin if you will undergo a lumbar puncture (spinal tap) or any other types of surgery, including dental surgery. Please inform your doctor if you will undergo such kinds of medical procedures.
Missed Dose: Take the missed dose as soon as possible but if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with the regular schedule. Do not double the dose. Inform your doctor if you missed a dose as this may alter your blood clotting tests. Call your doctor immediately if you missed 2 or more doses.
Important Note: To check your response to Coumadin, your doctor may order certain laboratory tests.
Storage: Keep Coumadin in a tightly-closed container and store at room temperature, away from heat and moisture.
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