Coumadin

Coumadin or Warfarin, as what most people call it, is an anticoagulant medication formulated for one main purpose – to prevent formation of blood clot. The blood clots develop as a result of different conditions, primarily heart attack. They form at the lower extremities, particularly on the veins after these parts are kept immobile for a long period of time. Worst is that they tend to break off, which may lead to the lodging of clots in the lung’s blood vessels, then forming the so-called pulmonary embolism. This condition, once developed, will manifest in a variety of symptoms, including chest pain, shock, and difficulty of breathing. Another complication of blood clotting is paralysis and embolic stroke, which basically develop once the clots break off and travels to the brain.

So to prevent all such conditions or complications, medical experts often recommend the use of Coumadin. However, before taking its doses, one should note first even just the basics of this prescription medication. Knowing everything about it will keep you safe and trouble-free. This is where the importance of consulting and asking your doctor about the medication comes in.

So to start with, it is worth noting that Coumadin is generally offered to be taken with full or empty stomach. The Coumadin dosing need not to be reduced for patients suffering from kidney and liver failure and this is simply due to the fact that once taken with or without food, the drug easily and quickly passes the liver to be metabolized. It is excreted by the kidneys after.

Along with that dosing requirement, regular blood tests will also be required. These blood tests will be maintained to monitor the performance of the blood clot during the treatment. Whatever is the result noted, the doctors will easily determine the right doses of this medication to further prevent formation of blood thinning and even bleeding.

The Coumadin, once taken improperly, is capable of causing a number of side effects that the patient prescribed with it needs to endure. Essentially, there are two common side effects of Coumadin: bleeding and skin necrosis. The former occurs in almost every tissue or organ in the body. It typically develops in the brain, then allowing you to feel headache, and worst, paralysis. Also, it may develop in the joints, causing swelling of the affected part, as well as joint pain. If it occurs in the intestines or stomach, the bleeding may cause weakness, vomiting of blood, fainting, black tarry stools, and the condition they call as coffee ground material. And, if the bleeding occurs in the kidneys, bloody urine and back pain can be felt.

The other known Coumadin side effects are skin rashes, diarrhea, painful purple toes, hair loss, jaundice, and bloating. If this medication is taken under overdoses, bleeding of the gums and nose may manifest. Heavy or severe menstrual bleeding, extended bleeding from cuts, and bruising will also appear.

As you may notice, most of the side effects of Coumadin are serious conditions. So if any of them persist while on the treatment, it’s your responsibility to call for immediate medical attention or help. Never ever ignore the symptoms for that will only worsen your condition.

Finally, every patient considering the treatment must note that there are certain things to avoid for quick recovery. Other medications and herbal or dietary supplements that may interact with Coumadin must be avoided for when taken in combination, further complications may develop. Blood thinning and excessive bleeding may occur once the action of Coumadin is increased due to the intake of other medications, for example. And, to make sure that everything is under control, maintain a regular checkup with your doctor.