IMPORTANT NOTE: THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION IS ONLY INTENDED TO SUPPLEMENT, NOT SUBSTITUTE FOR, THE EXPERTISE AND JUDGMENT OF YOUR PHYSICIAN, PHARMACIST OR OTHER
HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL FAMILIAR WITH YOUR CONDITION. THIS INFORMATION SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRUED TO STATE OR IMPLY THAT USE OF THE DRUG IS SAFE, APPROPRIATE, OR EFFECTIVE FOR YOUR CONDITION.
ALWAYS CONSULT YOUR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL BEFORE USING THIS OR ANY OTHER DRUG.
Coumadin (Warfarin) Uses
This medication is an anticoagulant used to prevent blood clots from moving or forming. Your doctor may use this medication to treat other conditions as well.
How Coumadin (Warfarin) Works
Coumadin (Warfarin) works by interfering with clotting factors by blocking the action of vitamin K. This helps prevent clots from forming.
How To Take Coumadin (Warfarin)
This medication is taken by mouth. This medication can be taken with or without food. You should take this medication regularly at the same time every day. Do not stop taking this medication without first consulting your doctor.
Coumadin (Warfarin) Possible Side Effects
Coumadin (Warfarin) may cause nosebleeds, excessive bleeding from cuts, bleeding from your gums, excessive bruising, discoloration of urine or stools and black tarry stools. Notify your doctor immediately if you experience any of these side effects.
Coumadin (Warfarin) Warnings and Precautions
Do NOT take aspirin without discussing it with your doctor. Aspirin also makes your blood thinner.
Avoid dangerous activities that may expose you to serious injuries. Bleeding may be difficult to control.
Before you have any medical or dental treatments, surgery or emergency care, let the health care providers know that you are taking this medicine.
Foods that may affect the actions of Coumadin are those high in vitamin K such as liver, lettuce, broccoli, kale, collard greens, cabbage, and spinach.
Coumadin (Warfarin) Drug Interactions
This medication has significant drug interactions. Before starting to take any new prescription or over-the-counter medicine talk to your doctor or pharmacist first.
Certain herbs available with prescription can affect warfarin and may increase bleeding time. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any herbs or supplements.
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose, take your next dose as soon as you remember. If it is time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take double doses... (continued)
Storage
Keep your prescription in the container it came in, tightly closed. Keep out of reach of children. Store at room temperature, away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw out medication that is outdated or no longer needed.
Coumadin (Warfarin) Pregnancy/Nursing Precautions
Do not take this medication during pregnancy. This medication has been detected in breast milk in inactive form, so breast feeding with this medication may be safe. Discuss this with your doctor.