Anticoagulation Program
For Coumadin (Warfarin) Patients
What is Coumadin?
Coumadin is an anticiagulant. An anticoagulant helps reduce clots from forming in the blood.
What is Coumadin for?
People are put on Coumadin when they are at a higher risk of clotting for a variety of reasons. The Coumadin prevents clots from forming in the first place.
Monitoring Coumadin
The blood test for monitoring Coumadin is called the INR. It stands for International Normalized Ratio. A normal INR for a person not on Coumadin is about 1.00. The INR range for an individual is determined according to that person's risk of forming a clot.
The higher the INR, the more difficult it is for the body to form a clot.
Dosing Coumadin
No one can predict how a person's INR will respond to a particular Coumadin dose. Doses are increased or decreased carefully depending on the INR result. You may not take the same dose every evening. It may be that some days you take a higher does and other days a lower dose. Overall, the ratio evens out in your blood. If you miss a dose, do not double up the next day. Take doses in the evening time.
Side Effects
Coumadin rarely has any side effects by iteself; however, if the INR gets too high a person can easily bleed. you will bruise more easily on this medication. Be aware of any unusual bleeding, and if you notice any, call the Coumadin Nurse.
Drug Interactions
Coumadin reacts with many other drugs. Some drugs will make the INR go very high and other medications will lower it. Notify whoever is following your Coumadin dosing whenever there is a medication started OR stopped from your normal regimen.
Avoid aspirin and aspirin containing medications unless directed to take them by your doctor, because aspirin can also affect how your blood clots.
Diet
Vitamin K in your diet helps your blood to clot. Coumadin is adjusted to your body depending on your normal diet. The key to diet and Coumadin is to eat a stable diet while on Coumadin.
Avoid excessive alcohol intake.
Things to Remember:
- Take medication in the evening at about the same time.
- Report any unusual bleeding.
- Keep a stable diet.
- Do not double up Coumadin if you miss a dose.
- Avoid aspirin if possible.
- Get your blood draws as directed.
- If you plan to travel for an extedned period, notify the clinic so we can discuss plans for monitoring your Coumadin.
When to Call:
- If anyone changes your Coumadin dose.
- Any other medication changes (addition or subtraction of drug).
- If you have upcoming surgical or dental procedures.
- If you need to reschedule appointments.
- If you have a serious fall or hit your head.
- Bleeding that does not stop; from cuts or from your nose.
- More bleeding than usual when you brush your teeth.
- More bleeding than usual when you get your menstrual period.
- Unusual colored urine or bowel.
- Unusual bruising for unknown reasons.
- Vomiting or coughing up blood.
- If you become pregnant or plan to do so in the near future.
- Sever or prolonged headache or abdominal pain.
- Headache, dizziness, trouble breathing, chest pain or if you feel weak or more tired than usual.
- Any questions or concerns
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