ANTICOAGULANT

Name  Trade Name   Generic Name
            Coumadin      Warfarin 

Use      Prevent or treat blood clots:

• associated with the irregular, rapid heartbeat called “atrial fibrillation” or “atrial flutter”
• in the legs (deep vein thrombosis) or lungs (pulmonary emboli)
• associated with heart valve replacement

Action    Blocks the formation of vitamin K-dependent clotting factors in the liver.  Reduces the body's ability to make blood clot.  Does not break up existing blood clots.

• Begins to reduce blood clotting within 24 hours after taking the first dose
• Full effect may take up from 72 to 96 hours to occur

Possible Side Effects

• The most common side effect is bleeding in any tissue or organ
• Call your healthcare provider or the Coumadin Clinic if you experience signs or symptoms of bleeding, which include:
  • headache, dizziness or weakness
  • bleeding from shaving or cuts that does not stop
  • nosebleeds
  • throwing up blood
  • unusual bruising for unknown reason
  • red or dark brown urine
  • unusual pain or swelling
  • blood in stool, or dark, tarry bowel movement
• Serious, but rare, side effects
  • skin necrosis (skin discoloration)
  • “purple toe syndrome”

Follow-up Tests

• Blood test called prothombin time (PT) and is reported as International Normalized Ratio (INR)
• Dosage may change based on the INR result
• Coumadin Clinic will assist your healthcare provider and provide instructions regarding dosage and frequency of blood tests

Guidelines for Taking This Medication

• Do take your warfarin exactly as you are instructed, usually at bedtime.
• Do have your follow-up blood test as directed.
• Do keep healthy eating habits.  Your diet can affect the INR.  Vitamin K, which helps your body make clots, is found naturally in foods, such as leafy green vegetables and certain vegetable oils.  You do not have to eliminate those foods, but avoid drastic changes in your dietary habits.
• Do tell your healthcare provider about any other medications that you are taking, including prescription medications, especially antibiotics or prednisone, and over-the-counter medications.  Some medications can affect your INR.
• Do look for signs of bleeding and report immediately.
  Do not take an extra dose if you miss one: contact the Coumadin Clinic for  instructions.
• Do not take warfarin (Coumadin) if you are pregnant or may become pregnant.
• Do not take any other medications before consulting with your healthcare provider. 
• Avoid alcohol consumption.
• Avoid any activity or sport that may result in a traumatic injury.

For additional information refer to http://www.coumadin.com/ (can find a list of foods with vitamin K levels) Spanish version available.  This site contains information by the pharmaceutical company which makes brand name Coumadin, however the information also pertains to generic brands of warfarin.

Ver 12.