How To Manage Coumadin Side Effects

Coumadin is a brand-name prescription medication containing the drug warfarin sodium. Physicians prescribe it to help prevent blood clots in susceptible patients. It is manufactured as an oral tablet with a dose between 1mg and 10mg, according to the drug manufacturer. Side effects range from annoying to potentially lethal. Patient compliance with Coumadin management instructions is critical to reduce the risk and severity of adverse effects, especially hemorrhage.

Step 1

Wear a medical alert bracelet. The "2010 Lippincott's Nursing Drug Guide" recommends that all patients taking Coumadin wear a medical alert bracelet or other tag. This tag should indicate that the individual is taking anticoagulant therapy. These bracelets can be purchased at pharmacies and should be worn or carried at all times. These alerts inform emergency medical personnel that the person should be checked for external and internal bleeding after an accident. It is also necessary information should the individual need emergency surgery and be unable to communicate.

Step 2

Use safe grooming instruments. A soft toothbrush should be used for tooth brushing. Aggressive brushing or picking at the teeth should be avoided. An electric razor or other safe razor should be used for shaving purposes, to avoid the possibility of causing a bleed. Care should be taken during hair cutting.

Step 3

Maintain a consistent diet. Vitamin K decreases the effectiveness of warfarin as a clot preventer. Many foods contain vitamin K, including salad greens and liver. It is best to continue the same diet and not make drastic changes in these or other foods while taking Coumadin. Alcohol and cranberries should be avoided, according to Drugs.com.

Step 4

Monitor for internal and external bleeding at all times. Conditions that require medical attention include dark or bloody stools, dark or bloody urine, easy bleeding, weakness, faintness, extensive bruising, vomiting blood, coughing up blood, nosebleed or any unusual skin discoloration.

Tips and Warnings

Common minor side effects that should be monitored for include nausea, itchy skin and hair loss. Contact sports and high risk activities should be avoided to reduce the risk of injury and subsequent hemorrhage. A woman should use birth control to avoid becoming pregnant while taking Coumadin. Breast-feeding should be avoided.
All physician visits and blood draw appointments should be kept to ensure that the warfarin level is appropriate. Allowing the level to become too low can result in a blood clot, while allowing it to become too high can result in a fatal hemorrhage. The physician may change the Coumadin dosage from time to time to keep it at a beneficial level.