So you have questions about Coumadin, so let’s start with the most basic. What is Coumadin? Well Coumadin is the brand name for the generic drug called Warfarin Sodium Tablets (or Warfarin in short). Both of them are not different, they are the same drug but the generic is usually cheaper.

General Info

Coumadin is generally prescribed by your doctor to prevent or treat blood clots in your blood vessels, heart vessels, lungs or any condition, such as heart operation or value replacement operations, related to your heart. Thus Coumadin acts as a blood thinner and prevents clots from forming, thus saving your life from heart attack, stroke or such related risks of death.

Your Basic Dosage

Unlike other drugs, this drug must be taken EXCATLY as prescribed by your doctor or medical professional. The drug dosage changes depending on how well (or bad) your body is reacting to the drug and the changes in your condition. You have to also take regular PT/INR test (blood test) to help monitor and check your response to the drug. A PT/INR test determines how fast your blood clots, thus helping your doctor give you the best possible dose of Coumadin. For this drug to work, you have to regularly communicate with your doctor and be very careful.

Drug Side Effects

Before I start listing things from A-Z, you must be aware that Coumadin (and Warfarin) interacts with EVERYTHING. So if you are a patient taking Coumadin or Warfarin, it is a good idea to carry a card or some identification alerting any health care workers that you are taking Coumadin (or Warfarn). This can save your life in an emergency or aid you in various situations because Coumadin interacts with almost every drug on this planet. Now since I have gotten that out of the way, Coumadin has a variety of side effects but depending on the body chemistry of the patient, some side effects will be “worse” than others. Generally speaking, when taking Coumadin, it can lead to loss of a lot of blood depending on the location of the cut and how long it bled. The drug can also lead to chest, abdomen, joint, muscle pain or pain at other parts of the body. Patients also have a tendency to get dizzy or have headaches and can experience tingling sensations, numbness, shortness of breath, low blood pressure and/or paralysis. Your skin tissue can also die (gangrene) when taking Coumadin and it is important to notify doctor right away if you experience color change, pain, temperature change or loss of sensation to any part of your body. If your toes look purple or pale (dark in color) then call your pharmacist or doctor right away.

Food Interactions

Be careful with herbal drugs or products when taking Coumadin because they are known to interact with the drug. Garlic, cranberry products, coenzymes and various other supplements should be used with extreme caution when taking the drug. Before getting Coumadin, it is a good idea to talk to your pharmacist regarding the supplements or herbal products you use and if the health care professional approves the product, then it is fine to use with Coumadin. In your every day life, eat normal food (food that you ingest on a regular basis) when taking Coumadin. If you are going to drastically change your diet then you must inform your doctor or check with the pharmacist. It is also best to make sure you do not eat a lot of leafy vegetables because they contain a lot of vitamin K and vitamin K interacts with Coumadin to lower the drug effect. You also have to be careful of certain fried foods since they may contain vegetable oils that can contain vitamin K. You must also avoid using any alcoholic beverages when taking the drug.

Vital Information

So before you take Coumadin, it is good to tell your health care provider some important information. If you are pregnant or plan to have a baby, notify doctor immediately. Coumadin can kill or cause birth defects to a baby so use birth control when taking Coumadin. And if you have high blood pressure, liver problems, heart failures or diabetes, it is not recommended for you to take the drug unless you already consult with your doctor. And when taking this drug, DO NOT breastfeed your baby or the baby will get the drug through the milk and will lead to serious bleeding issues. Do not give the drug to anyone below the age of 18 because the effects will be dangerously poisonous and it has not been tested by FDA for safety. And of course, as much as I love to make sure everything here is accurate or as safely explained as possible, it is always your responsibility and in your best interest to check with your local pharmacist or your personal doctor. The drug interacts with each individual differently and only your health care professional is qualified to address all your concerns properly.