What is Coumadin (Warfarin Sodium) used for?

Coumadin (Warfarin Sodium) is an oral anticoagulant used to prevent abnormal blood clots, strokes, or deep vein thrombosis. The medication works by preventing platelet cohesion to stop clots from forming in the veins. This action may also make it useful for preventing heart attacks. Your physician may prescribe it to treat other unlisted conditions, as well.

How should I use Coumadin (Warfarin Sodium)?

Follow your physician's directions while using Coumadin (Warfarin Sodium) to get the best results from treatment. The best dosage will be determined by the condition being treated, your current health, and the severity of your symptoms. The tablets should be taken orally with a large glass of water and may be taken on an empty stomach. Never crush, split, or chew the tablets before use to avoid destroying or altering the effects of their contents. Ask your physician any questions you have about the medication to ensure the correct use.

What are the side effects of Coumadin (Warfarin Sodium)?

Some patients using Coumadin (Warfarin Sodium) may experience side effects such as:

• Altered sense of taste
• Mild stomach pain, gassiness, or bloating
• Nausea or vomiting

Serious side effects that may require emergency medical attention are sudden headache, dizziness, sensitive skin, easier bleeding, urinary retention, muscle fatigue, back pain, darkened urine, or jaundice. Tell your physician as soon as you experience any worrying or intense side effects to make sure the correct changes are made to your dosage or frequency of administration to prevent further complications.

Please Note

Do not use Coumadin (Warfarin Sodium) if you are pregnant, have active bleeding, if you have recently given birth, if you have recently had surgery, or if you have had a stroke caused by bleeding in the brain. Also inform your physician if you are elderly, if you have a peptic ulcer, bacterial endocarditis, hypotension, ischematic stroke, decreased kidney function, decreased liver function, or if you have an increased risk of bleeding for any other reason. These conditions may cause unexpected problems during treatment requiring changes to your dosage or application frequency.

Strictly follow all instructions provided to you by your physician or pharmacist while using Coumadin (Warfarin Sodium). Optimum and safe dosage can differ based on the patient and the condition being treated.

As this medication may be unsafe for certain patients, it is essential you always inform your physician if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, as well as if you have any allergies, other illnesses, or ongoing health conditions, and if you are taking any other form of medication, supplements, or herbal products.

Immediately seek emergency medical care if you have an allergic or hypersensitive reaction. Common signs of a reaction include hives, swelling, skin rashes, chest pains, as well as trouble breathing or swallowing.