Coumadin®
(Warfarin Sodium Tablets, USP)
Coumadin® (warfarin) is a medication that
Abnormal blood clots may form as a
slows the blood clotting process. It is called
result of an INR that is too low.
an anticoagulant, meaning, “against blood
clotting.” Clots can cause serious problems
An increased INR reading or one that is
above your target range means that your
when they lodge in blood vessels in the legs,
blood is less likely to clot. This puts you
lungs, heart, or brain. Coumadin does not
at a higher risk for bleeding problems
break up clots that are already formed, but it
than when the INR is in your target
may help keep clots from getting larger.
range. Your blood is “too thin.” This
could cause bruising or bleeding.
Coumadin® (warfarin) is used for people
who have either recently formed a blood
clot or who are at risk for forming blood
Taking Your Coumadin®
clots. It may be prescribed for:
time each day.
Blood clots in the legs and lungs or the
prevention of these clots
next day, do not take a double dose. Go
back to your regular schedule.
clots
Prevention of clots after a heart valve
Stroke prevention
How it Works
Keep a daily Coumadin record. Use the
chart on the back pages.
replacement
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as
possible. If you don’t remember until the
Atrial fibrillation – an irregular heart-
beat that can lead to the formation of
Take your Coumadin about the same
Tell your doctor if you have missed any
doses.
Coumadin® (warfarin) alters your body’s
Cautions
ability to form blood clots. The
Contact your doctor right away if you
think you may be pregnant. Coumadin®
Coumadin® dose often needs to be
adjusted several times when your doctor
(warfarin) is not safe for pregnant
first prescribes it in order to achieve the
women.
target range - where your blood is not too
“thick” or too “thin.” You will be having
before starting or stopping any
INR blood tests, which show how “thick”
medication. This includes over-the-
or “thin” your blood is:
counter medication, herbal products,
vitamins, or supplements.
A decreased INR reading or one that is
lower than your target range means that
your blood is at a higher risk for clotting
than when the INR is in your target
range. Your blood is “too thick.”
Check with your pharmacist or doctor
Avoid alcohol.
Diet and Coumadin
Ginger
Vitamin K is important for clotting of
Horseradish
blood. Foods that are rich sources of
Cranberry & cranberry juice
Grapefruit and grapefruit juice
Pineapple & pineapple juice
While a moderate amount of vitamin K is
Pomegranate & pomegranate juice
needed and will have no effect on your
Black licorice & black jelly beans
your diet could alter the effect of the drug.
Red cayenne pepper
Foods that are moderate to high in vitamin
The key thing to remember is to avoid
K can decrease INR readings and may
major changes in vitamin K intake in
make your blood “too thick.” Do not make
your diet from week to week. A steady or
any major changes in how much you eat
consistent diet is very important.
vitamin K can affect how well
Coumadin® works.
Coumadin® therapy, drastic changes in
or drink of these foods. If you like these
foods and eat them often, you can continue
Herbal and Dietary Supplements
to do so, but you need to be consistent.
Many dietary supplements such as ginkgo,
High Vitamin K Foods
St John’s wort, and arnica can change the
INR. Much is unknown about dietary
Broccoli
supplements. Always check with your
Brussel sprouts
Collard greens
doctor before taking a nutritional or
herbal supplement.
Kale
Mustard greens
Turnip greens
bleeding so it is important to follow these
Spinach
precautions.
Moderate Vitamin K Foods
Asparagus
Cabbage
Green leaf and Romaine lettuces
(iceberg lettuce is low)
Bleeding Precautions
®
The main side effect of Coumadin is
Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about
any questions or concerns.
Report to your doctor:
stop, including bleeding from shaving,
brushing your teeth, nosebleeds, and
These foods and drinks may cause your
other cuts.
blood to become “too thin” and increase
INR readings. Do not make any major
changes in how much you eat or drink
of these:
Alcohol
Papaya
Bing cherries
Garlic
Any bleeding that takes a long time to
Severe bruising or bruising for unknown
reasons
Red or dark brown urine
Red or black bowel movements
Dizziness, headache, or weakness
Also report to your doctor:
straining. Increase the fiber in your diet
Very heavy or continual menstrual
and drink more fluids. Ask your nurse or
periods, or unexpected vaginal bleeding
dietitian for diet suggestions.
(You may have a heavier and longer
period, the same length but heavier,
all.)
for pain or over-the-counter medication.
Use only a soft toothbrush.
Shave carefully. You may want to use an
electric razor.
Wear shoes at all times.
Blow your nose gently.
Avoid using enemas, suppositories,
tampons, and douches
Activity
Anti-Inflammatory Medications
Anti-inflammatory medications can also
cause bleeding as a side effect. Check with
your doctor before taking any of these
medications. Some common anti-
inflammatory medications are:
®
Advil (ibuprophen)
Aleve (naproxen)
Ibuprofen, Motrin (ibuprophen)
Naprosyn (naproxen)
®
®
®
Do not take aspirin or aspirin-containing
Change positions slowly. Sit on edge of
medicines unless advised by your doctor.
bed one or two minutes before you
Many medications contain aspirin
stand. If you are unsteady on your feet,
(acetylsalicylic acid). These can be
ask for help each time you want to stand
prescription and over-the-counter and be
or walk.
used to treat arthritis, colds and pain, etc.
Avoid contact sports that could easily
result in injury.
Check with your doctor, nurse, or
pharmacist before taking any medication
longer but the same flow or no change at
Hygiene
Take stool softeners as needed to prevent
Make sure to carefully read the labels. Ask
your doctor or pharmacist, if you have any
questions.
Avoid cutting with sharp knives or
working with sharp blades.
Some Products Containing Aspirin
Use gloves when gardening.
Alka-Seltzer Plus Sinus
Avoid tight-fitting clothing such as skirts
Alka-Seltzer with Aspirin
or slacks with tight waistbands.
Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold
Although sexual intercourse is not
Alka-Seltzer Extra Strength
restricted, use a water-based lubricant
Anacin Caplets and Tablets
like K-Y Jelly® if needed.
Arthritis Pain Formula
Arthritis Strength BC Powder
To Prevent Problems:
At the site of bleeding, apply firm
pressure right away for five minutes or
until bleeding stops. If bleeding does not
stop, call your doctor or go to the
Emergency Room.
Ascriptin
Aspergum
Aspir-Low
Aspirtab
Bayer Aspirin Products
Some Products Containing Aspirin
(continued)
Bayer Children's Aspirin
BC Powder
Anticoagulation Medication –
Taking it Safely
Buffasal
Bufferin Products
Canasa Suppositories
View this helpful video program on
Channel 5 at any of these times:
Doan’s Backache Plus
6:05 am, 9:00 am, 12:55 pm,
Easprin
6:05 pm, 9:00 pm, 12:55 am
Ecotrin Products
Equagesic
Ask a staff member if you need help
Equaline
with finding the program.
Excedrin products – Back and Body,
Extra Strength
Fiorinal Capsules and Tablets
Fiorinal with Codeine
Goody’s Powders
Goodsense Products
Halfprin Products
Healthprin Products
Kaopectate
Menstrual Complete Migraine
Momentum
Norwich Aspirin Products
Orphenedrine
Orphenedrine Forte
PAC Analgesic Tablets
Pepto Bismol
Percodan
Soma Compound
Soma with Codeine
St. Joseph’s Aspirin
Stanback Powder
Stanback Max Powder
Synalgos-DC
Tri-Buffered Aspirin Products
Coumadin® (warfarin) Calendar
Month
Day 1
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Dose
Time Taken
PT/INR
Appointments
Coumadin® (warfarin) Calendar
Month
Day 1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
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15
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Dose
Time Taken
PT/INR
Appointments
You can cut this out, fill it in, and carry it in your wallet.
I am taking Coumadin® (Warfarin Sodium Tablets, USP)
This medication prevents blood clots from forming.
Please tell this right away to anyone providing care to me.
Name
Birth date
Weight
Other medications/conditions
In an emergency, call:
Relationship
Phone #
Doctor’s Name
Phone #
Rev..9/08, 6/09, 3/10, 8/10, 7/11, 8/11, 9/13, 5/14, 10/14
© Mount Carmel 2014
