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Home > Patient Information > Department Directory > Coumadin - Safe Use

Coumadin

Using Coumadin Safely

Dosage:
It is important that you maintain the dosage prescribed for your Coumadin® therapy. When you take your Coumadin®, check to make sure you are taking the right tablets in terms of:

• Milligram Dosage
• Color
• Number of Tablets
• Coumadin® Brand Name

You must take your Coumadin® tablets on an unchanging schedule. You should take them:

• at the same time every day
• only in the prescribed amount

If you forget to take a tablet, let your physician know. DO NOT take another tablet to "catch up."

Your prescription for Coumadin® should be refilled only as directed by your physician.

Other medications may affect the action of Coumadin®.

• Check with your physician before starting, stopping or changing the dose of any other medications. (This includes over-the-counter or topical drugs)
• Inform your physician if you have any illness that may require any other medications.
• Inform other physicians or dentists that you are taking Coumadin®.

You may wish to carry a card that identifies you as a patient on Coumadin®

Women:
Coumadin® should not be taken while you are PREGNANT. Inform your physician immediately if you are pregnant or if you are planning to become pregnant.

Lifestyles

Because may factors can affect the action of Coumadin®, it is important that you maintain a consistent lifestyle in terms of:

• Eating habits (especially in regard to the amount of green vegetables you eat)
• Exercise or physical activity
• In general, you should report lifestyle changes to your physician.

Avoid excessive use of alcohol. If you wish to change the amount of alcohol you normally drink, tell your physician.

Please check with your physician before starting on any extended trip as this may influence your medication availability, scheduled Protime/I.N.R. test, and eating habits.

Special Considerations

Because Coumadin® therapy affects the clotting factors in our blood, it is important that you call your physician if any of the following occurs:

• Bleeding - Prolonged bleeding from cuts, increased menstrual flow or vaginal bleeding, nosebleeds or bleeding from the gums.
  • Unusual Bruising
  • Red or dark brown urine
  • Red or tarry black stools
• Diarrhea
• Infection or Fever
• Pain or swelling

An Important Reminder

Please report all Protime/I.N.R. tests at scheduled times. This blood test is important. We will use this test to monitor the therapeutic effect of Coumadin® in your blood and make adjustments to your dosage as needed.

If you have any questions about your Couamdin® therapy, please ask your physician or clinic personnel.

Coumadin Information

• Main
• Coumadin and your Dentist
• Dietary Concerns
• Helpful Precautions and Advice
• Indications for Usage
• Interactions with Other Drugs
• Mechanisms of Action
• Monitoring and Dose Adjustments
• Pill Colors and Strengths
• Pregnancy and Coumadin
• Surgery/Elective Procedures
• Use in Teens
• Using Coumadin Safely

Cardiology

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