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What is Coumadin (or warfarin)?
- Though commonly called a blood thinner, Coumadin does not really thin the blood. It simply makes it more difficult for blood to clot.
- Coumadin works by blocking the action of a vitamin (K) that is necessary for making the proteins in the blood that promote clotting.
What is a blood clot?
- The body's normal response to an injury is to form a clot that seals the outside of a blood vessel and prevents serious bleeding.
When might a blood clot be bad?
- If a clot forms on the inside of a major blood vessel, it can block the flow of blood and result in death to the tissue beyond the blockage.
- If a clot forms inside a heart chamber, the pumping action of the heart can cause the clot to travel through the bloodstream to another organ and result in injury to that organ. For example, a clot that travels to the brain can cause a stroke. Coumadin can prevent this from happening.
What causes blood clots in the heart chambers?
- The three most common heart conditions that can result in blood clot formation include:
- The placement of a plastic heart valve by a surgeon for patients that have a severely damaged mitral or aortic valve.
- An irregular heart rhythm commonly called atrial fibrillation that inhibits one chamber of the heart from contracting normally and allows blood to pool and clot.
- A severely damaged heart (commonly called a cardiomyopathy).
Why are patients treated with Coumadin?
- The most common reason for taking Coumadin is to prevent clots from forming in the heart chambers in patients with one of the three heart conditions described above.
What affects Coumadin and why might my dose be changed week-to-week?
- Some foods may block Coumadin's action, like spinach and other leafy vegetables. Eating such foods may make it necessary to increase your dose of Coumadin.
- Some medicines such as antibiotics can make Coumadin more potent and make it necessary for you to cut back your dose of the Coumadin.
What symptoms should you expect on Coumadin?
- Minor injuries will result in more bruising. This is expected and a sign that Coumadin is in your system.
- Minor cuts can bleed and may require more prolonged pressure to stop.
When should you call your doctor?
- If you develop any abnormal bleeding such as from the rectum, gums, nose, or in your urine.
- If you require surgery so that you know when to stop your medicine.
How are you monitored if you are taking Coumadin?
- A blood test (called INR) is performed periodically to make sure that you have enough Coumadin in your system to decrease clotting but not so much that you are at high risk for bleeding.
- You will be told to have this blood test frequently in the beginning (eg. 2 to 3 days) until the proper dose of Coumadin for you can be established. After that it will be checked less often but at least every 4 weeks.
- The day after your blood test, the office should notify you about how much Coumadin you should take and when you are due for your next blood test.
- If you do not hear from the office by 3 pm the day after your INR blood test, you must call your doctor for instructions.
My profile:
a. The reason I'm taking Coumadin is _____________________
b. My tablet strength is __________________________________
c. My INR result should be _______________________________
d. My doctor is ________________________________________
e. My doctor's phone number is __________________________
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