Cardiovascular // Warfarin (Coumadin)

Coumadin is used for:
Treating or preventing blood clots that may occur in the veins and lungs. It is used to treat or prevent blood clots that may occur because of a certain type of abnormal heartbeat (atrial fibrillation) or heart valve replacement. It is also used to reduce the risk of death, recurring heart attack, or blood clotting events (eg, stroke) after a heart attack. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.Coumadin is an anticoagulant. It works by blocking the formation of ceratin blood clotting factors.

Coumadin is used for:
Treating or preventing blood clots that may occur in the veins and lungs. It is used to treat or prevent blood clots that may occur because of a certain type of abnormal heartbeat (atrial fibrillation) or heart valve replacement. It is also used to reduce the risk of death, recurring heart attack, or blood clotting events (eg, stroke) after a heart attack. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.Coumadin is an anticoagulant. It works by blocking the formation of ceratin blood clotting factors.

How to use Coumadin:
Use Coumadin as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

    * Coumadin comes with an extra patient information sheet called a Medication Guide. Read it carefully. Read it again each time you get Coumadin refilled.
    * Take Coumadin by mouth with or without food.
    * It is very important to take Coumadin on a regular schedule as prescribed by your doctor. Take Coumadin at the same time each day.
    * Continue to take Coumadin even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses, unless directed to do so by your doctor.
    * If you miss a dose of Coumadin, contact your doctor right away. Take the missed dose as soon as possible if you remember on the same day. If you do not remember until the next day, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Coumadin.

Possible side effects of Coumadin:
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. No COMMON side effects have been reported with Coumadin. Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

    * Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); back, side, muscle, joint, or stomach pain; black, tarry, or bloody stools; blood in the urine (pink or brown urine); bloody or coffee ground-like vomit; chest pain; decreased urination; dizziness; fainting; fever; numbness or tingling; pain, unusual color, or temperature change in any area of the body; pale skin; purple, dark, or painful toes; shortness of breath; skin sores or ulcers; stroke symptoms (eg, confusion, slurred speech, vision problems, one-sided weakness); sudden severe pain in your legs, feet, or toes; trouble swallowing; unexplained swelling; unusual bruising or bleeding (eg, nosebleed, unusual bleeding from gums, increased bleeding from cuts, increased menstrual or vaginal bleeding, coughing up blood); unusual headache or weakness; unusual pain, swelling, or discomfort; wounds or sores that do not heal properly; yellowing of the skin or eyes.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions or need medical advice about side effects, contact your doctor or health care provider.

Proper storage of Coumadin:
Store Coumadin at room temperature, between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Coumadin out of the reach of children and away from pets.