Generic Coumadin

Coumadin can be generically prescribed as warfarin. It is a blood thinning anti-coagulant often prescribed to thin the blood either prior to of just after a surgical procedure. It can also be used in the prevention of heart attacks and strokes when patients have either recently had one or the other, or are showing dangerous symptoms of having a stroke or a heart attack. Coumadin can cause excessive bleeding when used right before surgery, and patients should always inform their surgeon of their medication.

Coumadin is not appropriate for all patients. A thorough medical examination may reveal some underlying conditions that would rule out patient candidacy. Medical conditions such as bleeding disorders such as hemophilia, stomach ulcers, bleeding of the stomach, heart infections, fluid build up around the heart, swelling of or around the heart, blood cell disorders, history of blood clots, brain hemorrhaging, or aneurysms completely rule the patient out for this medication. Patients with a medical history which include celiac sprue, liver disease, kidney disease, high blood pressure, recent surgery or injury, high blood pressure, the use of anticonvulsants, uncontrolled or severe diabetes, cancer, congestive heart failure, connective tissue disorder, overactive thyroid, or polycythemia vera may or may not be able to take Coumadin, or may require special monitoring or tests while undergoing drug therapy with this medication.

Patients need to be aware of their diet while taking Coumadin. Vitamin K, which is present in a vast number of leafy green vegetables and cauliflower, has the ability to render Coumadin nearly worthless. Other medications such as ibuprofen can encourage internal bleeding. Alcohol should be strongly discouraged.

If the patient misses a dose, the patient should contact the physician immediately. While it is possible for the patient to take two doses in the same 24 hour period, taking two doses at once is strongly ill advised. Taking doses too close together or taking too much Coumadin at once can cause an overdose.

An overdose of Coumadin can be very serious. The patient should seek immediate medical care if an overdose is even suspected. Blood in the urine, bloody stools, excessive bleeding from scratches and cuts, dangerously heavy menstrual periods, and bruising or broken blood vessels under the skin can be the result of an overdose. Bleeding to death is a real possibility.

Patients who take Coumadin may experience mild side effects. Mild side effects should be discussed with the prescribing physician, as a dosing adjustment may make them more tolerable. Hair loss, nausea, vomiting, gas, bloating, stomach pain, and general discomfort are the most common mild side effects.

A small number of patients may experience serious side effects. Serious side effects require urgent medical care. Symptoms such as easy bruising and bleeding that can not be stopped, coughing up blood, nose bleeds, bleeding gums, sudden numbness or weakness that dominates one side of the body, weakness and light headedness, sudden pain in the leg or foot, blood in the urine, pain in the stomach, back, or sides, low fever, loss of appetite, jaundice, purple toes or fingers, skin changes and discoloration on the body, or black, blood, or tarry stools require immediate medical attention.

Patients should never take any additional medication without first consulting with the prescribing physician. Medicine that has bee prescribed, over the counter purchased, herbal remedies, and vitamin supplements pose a risk of dangerous interactions with Coumadin. Medications of botanical origins with a known history of negative interactions with Coumadin include bromlains, danshen, coenzyme Q10, garlic, ginseng, St. John’s wort, gingko biloba, and dong quai. Other medications include NSAID pain relievers and some narcotics. Patients should avoid eating cranberries or drinking cranberry juice.