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 | What are the side effects of Coumadin?
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|  Coumadin (generic name warfarin) is an anticoagulant, a drug that makes it harder for the body to make blood clots. Most people tolerate Coumadin well and side effects aren’t common. But when side effects do occur, they can be serious. Since Coumadin makes blood take more time to clot, it also can make bleeding or bruising more likely. Be sure to contact your doctor if you notice any unusual bleeding or bruising—for example, if you notice you are bleeding more than usual after brushing your teeth or injuring yourself. Also, notify your health care provider immediately if you vomit or cough up blood or if you notice blood in your urine or stools. This may show up as dark brown urine or black, tarry stools. Your health care provider decides your dose of Coumadin based on a blood test called a prothrombin time (protime) or international normalized ratio (INR). This test measures how long it takes for your blood to clot. Based on the results of the test, your healthcare provider may change your dose of Coumadin to prevent serious bleeding. Your dose may also change if you become sick, change your diet, or are taking other medications. You can lower your risk of bleeding by taking your medicine as directed, keeping your appointments with your health care provider, and having your blood tested on a regular basis. You shouldn't take Coumadin if you're pregnant or may become pregnant. Sources:
A Patient’s Guide--Using Coumadin at home. DuPont Pharma, 1998.
Applied Therapeutics: The Clinical Use of Drugs. Applied Therapeutics, 1995.
Medline Plus, Medline, 2006.
Micromedex® Healthcare Series. Thomson Micromedex, 2006.
This answer prepared 1/11/2001.
This information updated 12/05/2006.
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