COUMADIN

Drug Uses
Coumadin is used for treatment and prevention of ting and harmful clots that may occur in the veins (venous thrombosis), in the lungs (pulmonary embolism), with a type of abnormal heartbeat (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 for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

How Taken
Use Coumadin as directed by your doctor. Take Coumadin every time either with a meal or on an empty stomach at each dose. It is recommended to take Coumadin at the same time each day to help you remember to take it.

Warnings/Precautions
Before taking Coumadin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if you have allergies to medicines, if you are allergic to any ingredient in Coumadin, if you have a stomach, lung, or urinary tract lesion, an ulcer, tuberculosis, a catheter, an IUD, recently given birth, a fever, allergies, intestinal problems, liver problems, an infection, high blood pressure, arthritis, a mood disorder, blood disorders, or bleeding problems, diabetes, an infection of the heart, inflammation of the blood vessels, cancer, if you are an alcoholic, or if you have suffered trauma, have a vitamin C, vitamin K, or protein C deficiency, if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or are breast–feeding. If you suspect that you could be pregnant, contact your doctor immediately. It is unknown if Coumadin passes into breast milk. If you are or will be breast–feeding while you are using Coumadin, check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby. Some medicines may interact with Coumadin. Therefore tell your doctor of all prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement that you are taking, especially, if you are taking aspirin or drinking herbal teas. Do not take Coumadin if you are planning or have recently had major surgery, surgery of the eyes or nervous system, spinal puncture, or spinal anesthesia, if you have preeclampsia, eclampsia, an incomplete abortion, have leukemia, red blood cell overproduction, or a reduced platelet count or if you take mifepristone. Avoid eating large amounts of grapefruit or drinking grapefruit or cranberry juice while taking Coumadin. Before you have any medical or dental treatments, emergency care, or surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are using Coumadin. Coumadin 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 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. Eat a normal, balanced diet. Avoid drastic changes in dietary habits, especially when eating leafy, green vegetables or liver, because they contain vitamin K, which affects how Coumadin works. Brush your teeth carefully with a soft toothbrush,oss your teeth gently, and use caution when shaving, while taking Coumadin. Carry an identification card at all times that says you are taking Coumadin. Do not become overheated in hot weather as this may change the effect of Coumadin. Elderly patients may be more sensitive to the effects of Coumadin and might require a lower dose. Coumadin is not recommended for use in children younger than 3 months of age. Safety and effectiveness in this age group have not been confirmed.

Missed Dose
If you miss a dose take it as soon as you remember. However if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the Missed Dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Possible Side Effects
Some of the Possible Side Effects are- Abnormal skin sensations, changes in taste, chills, diarrhea, difficulty swallowing, dizziness, feeling cold, fever, general body discomfort, hair loss, itching, lack of energy, nausea, pale skin, skin inflammation, stomach pain, cramps, or bloating, tiredness, vomiting. Contact your doctor if any of these or other side effects occur. If you experience any of the following serious side effects, you should seek medical attention immediately- allergic reactions (rash, hives, difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue), blood in the urine, dizziness, excessive bleeding from cuts, excessive bleeding from gums when brushing teeth, headache, increased menstrual bleeding or unusual bleeding from vagina, muscle pain, nosebleeds, numbness, penis gangrene, purple toes, red or black, tarry stools, red or dark brown urine, shortness of breath, sores or ulcers on skin, stomach, chest, joint or other pain, sudden or severe pain in your legs, feet, or toes, unexplained swelling, unusual bruising, unusual pain, swelling, or discomfort, weakness, yellowing of the skin or eyes.

Storage
Store Coumadin at 59 – 86 °F (15 – 30 °C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Coumadin out of the reach of children.

Overdose
If overdose is suspected seek medical attention immediately. Some of the symptoms of Coumadin overdose are- abnormal bleeding or bruising, blood in vomit urine, or stools.

More Information
Coumadin may cause dizziness. These effects may worsen if Coumadin is taken with alcohol or certain other medications. Use Coumadin with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to this drug. If your symptoms do not improve or if they worsen, contact your doctor. Coumadin should be used only by the patient for whom it has been prescribed. Do not take less or more or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Disclaimer
This is only general information, it does not cover all directions, drug integrations or precautions. You should not rely on it for any purpose, it does not contain any specific instructions for a particular patient. We disclaim all responsibility for the accuracy and reliability of this information. We`re not responsible for any damage.