Coumadin- Information, Uses, Side Effects and Dosage

Drug trade name: Coumadin, Jantoven

Category: Anticoagulants, Cardiovascular; Anticoagulants, Hematologic

Generic name: warfarin

Introduction and Quick Information of Coumadin:

Coumadin (warfarin) is one of the most effective anticoagulants (blood thinner). This medication has the ability to minimize the formation of blood clots by interfering with the formation of various clotting factors. Coumadin can even prevent strokes, heart attacks, by preventing blood clots in arteries and veins. The doctor may prescribe Coumadin to those individuals who have an increased tendency for thrombosis, arterial Fibrillation, pulmonary embolism and deep venous thrombosis. This drug can also be used in antiphospholipid syndrome.

Is Coumadin Approved by U.S. FDA?

Yes, the U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has given its approval to Coumadin as a blood-thinning drug and to prevent blood clots. Coumadin is available in the form of tablets.

Usage and Benefits of Coumadin:

This medicine is quite helpful to reduce the chances of repeat heart attacks, death, blood clots, or strokes after a heart attack. The medical practitioner might recommend off-label uses of Coumadin occasionally to prevent recurrent transient ischemic attacks. People with artificial heart valves or arterial fibrillation generally have blood clots in lungs or veins, it can be prevented or treated by Coumadin (warfarin).

Other benefits include treatment or prevention of the formation of blood clots in veins (like with the deep vein thrombosis), the occurrence of blood clots in lungs (pulmonary embolism), blood clots or connected complications like strokes in those people with artificial heart valves or arterial fibrillation.

Coumadin Side Effects:

• Swelling
• Skin changes; discoloration
  
• Severe and sudden foot or leg pain
• Foot ulcer
• Unusual bleeding (mouth, nose, rectum, or vagina) or blood in urine
  
• Weakness or dizziness
• A sudden headache
• Purple fingers or toes
• Easy bruising
• Pale skin
• Bloody or black stools
• Jaundice
• Difficulty in concentrating
• Feeling shortness of breath or light-headed
• Rapid heart rate
• Muscle weakness or numbness
• Coughing up blood
• Stomach pain radiating to back
• Fever, chills and body aches

General Recommended Dosages of Coumadin:

Take the medication as prescribed by the doctor. Never take a double dose or extra dose than recommended as it might cause you harm. Your physician can occasionally change the dosage schedule to make sure whether you are getting the best results or not.

You can take Coumadin (warfarin) without or with your food.

Avoid the dieting strategy or shedding weight while using Coumadin. Also, inform your general practitioner in case you experience any rapid weight changes for any reason.

While using Coumadin, a regular blood test is necessary.

You should inform your other physicians such as dentist, the surgeon that you are taking Coumadin.

In Case I Miss My Dose?

In case the dose is missed, take it as soon as you recall. If, it the time for the next dose then skip the missed dose. You may ask your doctor for further assistance.

In Case I Take Overdose?

Some of the common overdose symptoms may include excessive bleeding. If you find any of these symptoms, seek medical help.

Drug Interactions With Coumadin:

Inform your doctor in case you take drugs or products as listed below:

• bromelains (Ananase)
  
• cranberry (AZO Cranberry Gummies)
  
• ubiquinone (coenzyme Q10)
• ginkgo biloba (kew tree)
• salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge (Danshen)
• angelica sinensis (Dong Quai)
• garlic (Garlic)
  
• ginseng ( Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer)
  

Lifestyle and Food Habits You Must Follow When on Coumadin:

A healthy way of life can enhance the usefulness of your medication or treatment. However, drinking alcohol excessively along with the medication can prove to be hazardous and lead to many severe health issues.

Moreover, you should not use this medication in case you are allergic to warfarin. Inform your healthcare provider if you have a history of bleeding problems, intestinal or stomach bleeding, heart disease high or low blood pressure, cancer, kidney disorder, surgery, ant disease that affects the blood vessels inside the brain. 

How Safe Is Coumadin for Pregnant Women or Nursing Mothers?

Coumadin can harm an unborn infant or can even lead to birth defects. Therefore, it is important to tell your doctor if you are expecting or planning to become a mom during this medical treatment. Coumadin (warfarin) can pass on to breast milk and can further cause harm to the little one. Therefore, you need not use Coumadin without informing the physician.

Complications and Conditions Possible Due to Prolonged Use of Coumadin:

The extended use of Coumadin can make people addicted. In case you suddenly stop taking Coumadin after using it for longer, then it may cause several adverse effects. Thus, you need to consult your doctor first before quitting its use completely.

Availability of Coumadin:

This drug is available only by prescription.