Coumadin

Warfarin is used to prevent blood clots from forming or growing larger. 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.

Coumadin (Warfarin) may be described as an Isopropanol Clathrate.

Coumadin (Warfarin) may also be described as a white, crystalline and an odorless powder by nature.

Coumadin (Warfarin) may also be described as being able to easily dissolve in water and alcohol.

Moreover, Coumadin (Warfarin) may also be described as being able to partially dissolve in Chloroform and Ether.

Coumadin is an anticoagulant used to treat or prevent harmful blood clots that may occur in the veins (venous thrombosis) or lungs (pulmonary embolism), or with a type of abnormal heartbeat (such as atrial fibrillation), or following a heart valve replacement.

Coumadin is also used to reduce the risk of stroke and other problems in patients who have had a heart attack. It may also be used to treat or prevent other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Warfarin comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It usually is taken once a day. Take warfarin exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Continue to take warfarin even if you feel well. Do not stop taking warfarin without talking to your doctor.

SPEAK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience diarrhea or any signs of illness, such as fever.

CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience any unusual pain, swelling, or discomfort; headache; dizziness; weakness; numbness; nosebleeds; excessive bleeding from cuts; bleeding from your gums while brushing your teeth; increased menstrual bleeding; unexplained vaginal bleeding; unusual bruising; red or dark brown urine; red or black, tarry stools; a purple, dark, or spotty discoloration of your toes; sudden or severe pain in your legs, feet, or toes; or any sores or ulcers on your skin.

An allergic reaction to this medicine is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, or trouble breathing.

Sometimes, Coumadin (Warfarin) may even cause nausea, a loss of appetite, abdominal pain and one to cough blood.

Coumadin (Warfarin) further more cause Jaundice, severe tissue damage, Angina and bloody vomit.

Moreover, Coumadin (Warfarin) may even cause changes in the amounts of urine one passes, confusion, palpitations and slurred speech.

Coumadin (Warfarin) further more causes blurred vision, severe hair loss and an excessive weakness on one side of the body.

If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

Coumadin (Warfarin) interacts with various medications, such as, Imatinib, Mifepristone, Ibuprofen, Celecoxib and salicylates.

Moreover, Coumadin (Warfarin) further still interacts with various medications, such as, Naproxen, Clopidogrel, Ticlopidine, bromelains and Coenzyme Q10.

Coumadin (Warfarin) interacts with various medications, such as, cranberry, Danshen, Dong Quai, fenugreek and garlic.

Moreover, Coumadin (Warfarin) further still interacts with various medications, such as, Ginkgo Biloba, Ginseng, Goldenseal, St. John`s Wort and Zafirlukast.

IF OVERDOSE IS SUSPECTED, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include abnormal or excessive bleeding or bruising and blood in your vomit, urine, or stools.

Carry an identification card at all times that says you are taking this medicine.

It is very important for the patient to know that before consuming Coumadin (Warfarin) they must inform their health care professional if they have ever had a history of or are currently suffering from Hemophilia (bleeding disorders), liver diseases, psychosis, Aneurysms (blood vessel disorders), anemia, Polycythemia Vera or thyroid problems.

Moreover, it is also very important for the patient to know that before consuming Coumadin (Warfarin) they must inform their health care professional if they have ever had a history of or are currently suffering from Necrosis (tissue damage), Cancer, Polyarteritis (a vascular disease), kidney diseases, ulcers or Celiac Sprue (an intestinal disorder).

Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. Record the date of the missed dose and tell your doctor at your next visit, since missing a dose of warfarin may alter your blood clotting tests.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. If you miss doses for 2 or more days, call your doctor immediately.

This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture.

Laboratory and/or medical tests, including blood clotting tests, may be performed to monitor your progress or to check for side effects.

BEFORE YOU HAVE ANY MEDICAL OR DENTAL TREATMENTS, EMERGENCY CARE, OR SURGERY, tell the doctor or dentist that you are using this medicine.

WARFARIN REDUCES BLOOD CLOTTING. To prevent bleeding, avoid any sports or other activities that may expose you to a risk of bruising or serious injury.

DO NOT CHANGE BRANDS of this medicine without talking with your doctor or pharmacist.

DO NOT CHANGE YOUR EATING HABITS, alcohol consumption, or activity level without checking with your doctor. A change in your diet, alcohol consumption, or activity level may lead to a change in the effects of your medicine.

Foods that may change the effect of this medicine are those high in vitamin K, such as liver or green, leafy vegetables (lettuce, broccoli, cabbage, spinach, kale, or collard greens).

BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING OR STOP TAKING ANY MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. This includes vitamins, food or dietary supplements, or over-the-counter medicines such as aspirin, ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or cold medicines.

IF YOU ARE ALREADY TAKING ASPIRIN for a heart or other condition, talk with your doctor about whether or not you should continue taking it with this medicine.

WHILE YOU ARE USING THIS MEDICINE, brush your teeth carefully with a soft toothbrush, floss your teeth gently, and use caution when shaving.

DO NOT BECOME OVERHEATED in hot weather as this may change the effect of this medicine. CAUTION IS ADVISED WHEN USING THIS MEDICINE IN THE ELDERLY because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the medicine.

FOR WOMEN: DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE if you are pregnant. IF YOU SUSPECT THAT YOU COULD BE PREGNANT, contact your doctor immediately. IT IS UNKNOWN IF THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED in breast milk. IF YOU ARE OR WILL BE BREAST-FEEDING while you are using this medicine, check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.