COUMADIN
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IMPORTANT NOTE:
THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION IS INTENDED TO SUPPLEMENT, NOT SUBSTITUTE
FOR, THE EXPERTISE AND JUDGMENT OF YOUR PHYSICIAN, PHARMACIST OR
OTHER HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL. IT SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRUED TO
INDICATE THAT USE OF THE DRUG IS SAFE, APPROPRIATE, OR EFFECTIVE FOR
YOU. CONSULT YOUR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL BEFORE USING COUMADIN.
WARFARIN - ORAL (WARF-uh-rin)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S):
Coumadin
USES:
COUMADIN is a blood thinner used to keep blood flowing smoothly and
prevent the formation of blood clots.
HOW TO TAKE COUMADIN:
Take this exactly as prescribed. Try to take COUMADIN at the same
time each day so you remember to take it. Your dose may be adjusted
several times based on lab tests. Do not stop taking this without
your doctor's approval.
SIDE EFFECTS:
Loss of appetite, nausea, diarrhea or blurred vision may occur at
first as your body adjusts to the medication. Inform your doctor
if you experience:
unusual bleeding or bruising, blood in the urine, black stools,
severe headache. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction
to this drug, seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms of an
allergic reaction include:
rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice
other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS:
Before using COUMADIN tell your doctor your medical history
especially of:
ulcers, unusual menstrual periods, diabetes, liver or kidney
disease, high blood pressure, arthritis, thyroid problems, all
recent infections, recent surgery, drug and food allergies. The FDA
has stated that certain generic warfarin products are
interchangeable. However, consult your doctor and pharmacist before
switching warfarin products. Do not stop taking any medications that
you are currently taking unless directed to do so by your doctor. If
you have an illness that causes vomiting, diarrhea, or fever for
more than a few days, contact your doctor as these problems can
change the effect of COUMADIN. Limit your consumption of alcoholic
beverages. Ask your doctor how much, if any, alcohol you may
consume. When receiving warfarin, avoid sudden changes in dietary
habits. Avoid ingesting unusual increases or decreases of foods high
in Vitamin K (liver, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, kale, spinach
and other green leafy vegetables, green tea, certain vegetables,
cheeses and certain vitamin supplements). It is best to avoid
strictly vegetarian diets that consist of foods high in vitamin K.
While taking COUMADIN, be extra careful to avoid injuries. COUMADIN
can cause heavy bleeding. Use an electric razor and be careful
brushing your teeth. Caution is advised when using COUMADIN in the
elderly because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the
drug. Warfarin should not be used during pregnancy. If you become
pregnant or think you may be pregnant, inform your doctor
immediately. COUMADIN is excreted into breast milk. While to date,
no problems have been noted in nursing infants, consult your doctor
before you breast-feed.
DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Many drugs interact with COUMADIN. Before using COUMADIN tell your
doctor of all prescription and nonprescription drugs you may use
especially any of the following:
aspirin or aspirin-like drugs, anabolic steroids, barbiturates,
clofibrate, phenylbutazone, disulfiram, cimetidine, sulfa-drugs,
metronidazole, vitamin E, cholestyramine, phenytoin,
erythromycin-like antibiotics, propylthiouracil, injectable
antibiotics, griseofulvin, ethchlorvynol, quinidine, quinine,
thyroid drugs, allopurinol, glucagon, rifamycins, glutethimide,
aminoglutethimide, chloramphenicol, carbamazepine, vitamin K (or its
derivatives), dextrothyroxine, anti-inflammatory medication used for
arthritis or fever reduction, penicillin-type drugs, amiodarone,
omeprazole, sulfinpyrazone, chloral hydrate, "statin"
drugs (e.g., lovastatin), propranolol, tamoxifen, quinolone
antibiotics (e.g., ciprofloxacin), SSRI antidepressants (e.g.,
fluoxetine), gemfibrozil, azole antifungals (e.g., fluconazole,
miconazole, including vaginal dose forms), birth control pills. It
is important that all doctors and dentists treating you know you
take warfarin. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or
pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center
or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include
bleeding, fast heartbeat, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea,
and discoloration of urine or stools.
NOTES:
Do not share COUMADIN with others.
MISSED DOSE:
If you miss a dose, take as soon as remembered; do not take if it is
almost time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and
resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the
dose to catch up. Keep a record of missed doses to give to your
doctor. Call your doctor if you miss 2 or more doses.
STORAGE:
Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (between 15
and 30 degrees C) away from moisture and sunlight. Do not store in
the bathroom.
Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For
information on enrollment call Medic Alert(TM) at 1-800-854-1166. In
Canada call 1-800-668-1507.
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