Coumadin (Warfarin Injection)

Name: Coumadin (Warfarin Injection)

Uses of Coumadin

  • It is used to treat blood clots.
  • It is used to thin the blood so that clots will not form.
  • It is used to lower the chance of heart attack, stroke, and death in some people.

What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Coumadin?

  • If you have an allergy to warfarin or any other part of this medicine.
  • If you are allergic to any drugs like this one, any other drugs, foods, or other substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had, like rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other signs.
  • If you have any of these health problems: Blood vessel problems like, aneurysm or dissecting aorta; bleeding problems; bleeding in the brain; active ulcer; bleeding of the stomach, bowel, urinary tract, genitals, or respiratory tract; blood problems; heart infection; low platelet count; pericarditis, recent surgery of the eye, brain, or spine; or very high blood pressure.
  • If you have any of these health problems: A certain health problem called pre-eclampsia, seizures during pregnancy (eclampsia), induction of labor, or threatened spontaneous abortion.
  • If you are having surgery, talk with your doctor.
  • If you will be getting spinal anesthesia or a spinal treatment.
  • If you have had spinal anesthesia, surgery, or any spinal care, talk with your doctor.
  • If you know that you will not take the drug as you have been told.
  • If you know that you will not take the drug or have your blood work (PT/INR) checked as you have been told.
  • If you have thrombocytopenia caused by heparin.
  • If you are pregnant.

This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with Coumadin.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take this medicine with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

How is this medicine (Coumadin) best taken?

Use this medicine as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

  • Use Coumadin (warfarin injection) exactly as you have been told, even if you feel well. This is important for the drug to work right and to lower the risk of bleeding.
  • Take this medicine at the same time of day.
  • To gain the most benefit, do not miss doses.
  • It is given as a shot into a vein.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

  • Call your doctor to find out what to do.

What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

  • Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • Weakness on 1 side of the body, trouble speaking or thinking, change in balance, drooping on one side of the face, or blurred eyesight.
  • Chest pain.
  • Very bad dizziness or passing out.
  • Swelling, warmth, numbness, change of color, or pain in a leg or arm.
  • Very bad headache.
  • Feeling very tired or weak.
  • Swelling.
  • Change in skin color to black or purple.
  • Death of skin tissue may rarely happen. This can lead to loss of the body part (amputation) and can be deadly. Call your doctor right away if you have pain, color, or temperature change in any part of the body.
  • If you have kidney problems or have had kidney problems in the past, talk with your doctor. Kidney problems may happen. Call your doctor right away if you have signs of kidney problems like not able to pass urine, change in how much urine is passed, blood in the urine, or a big weight gain.

What are some other side effects of Coumadin?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if you have any side effects that bother you or do not go away.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. You may also report side effects at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

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