Coumadin is an anticoagulant medication containing warfarin which is used to treat and prevent blood clots in your veins or arteries. Warfarin is known as a ‘blood-thinner’ and helps to keep your blood flowing smoothly around your body by decreasing the number of clotting proteins within your blood. Taking Coumadin can help to reduce the risk of stroke or heart attack.

Make sure to always read the patient information and instructions before using this medication. Always follow your doctor’s directions.

• Take warfarin with or without food.
• You should not take Coumadin if you cannot take it on time every day.
• This medication should be taken regularly in order to get the most benefit from it.
• While taking warfarin, you should eat a balanced, consistent diet. Check with your doctor before going on a diet or making big changes to your diet. Avoid sudden changes to your intake in foods high in vitamin K.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist:

• About your drug and other allergies.
• If you take any other prescription or over-the-counter medications.
• Your medical history particularly of high blood pressure, blood cell disorders, ulcers, internal bleeding, aneurism, infections in the lining of your heart, kidney disease, cancer, low blood cell counts, stroke, diabetes, liver disease, hereditary clotting deficiency or low blood platelets.
• If you have recently had or have an upcoming surgery.
• If you are pregnant as warfarin may cause birth defects.
• If you are breast-feeding.

You should also know:

• Pregnant women should not handle this medication as it may be absorbed through the skin and lungs and harm an unborn baby.
• You should carry an ID card or wear a medical alert tag which states that you take this medication. All medical care providers who treat you should know that you take warfarin.
• If you are not pregnant, use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while taking Coumadin and for at least one month after your final dose.

Common side effects of Coumadin include but are not limited to:

• Nausea.
• Loss of appetite.
• Abdominal or stomach pain.

Get medical help if you have any of the following side effects of Coumadin:

• Signs of bleeding including bleeding gums, nosebleeds, bleeding from wounds, heavy menstrual periods, abnormal vaginal bleeding, blood in your urine, bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood or vomit which looks like coffee grounds.
• Sudden headache or dizziness.
• Feeling weak.
• Swelling, pain or unusual bleeding.
• Blood clot symptoms including sudden or severe leg or foot pain, foot ulcers, purple toes or fingers, pain, swelling, hot or cold feeling, skin changes or discoloration anywhere on your body.
• Symptoms of an allergic reaction such as difficulty breathing, hives or swelling in your face, lips or throat.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Coumadin?

If you miss a dose of Coumadin, you should take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, then skip your missed dose.

What is the generic alternative to Coumadin?

Generic Coumadin is known as warfarin and is available in the same strengths.