Coumadin is the brand name of a common blood thinner called warfarin that is used to prevent and treat blood clots, according to MayoClinic.com. Most of the time it is used for short periods only, but when there is a risk of additional clotting that could lead to heart attack, stroke or pulmonary embolism, a low dose of the drug may be used long-term to prevent the problem.
Increased Bleeding RIsk
Long-term use of warfarin raises the risk of serious bleeding if there is a cut or injury, according to MayoClinic.com. It can even be fatal. The drug works by blocking the chemicals that cause the blood to clot. This is helpful if blood clots are causing heart attacks, but it also means the blood can't clot as it normally would to stop the bleeding when a person gets a cut. So all bleeding is more severe in a patient on Coumadin. This bleeding can occur anywhere in the body, and a patient on Coumadin should tell his doctor about any falls or injuries as well as unusual bruising or bleeding, according to the American Heart Association.
Internal Bleeding
If the Coumadin dose is too high, it can lead to internal bleeding, most seriously in the brain or the digestive tract, according to the American Heart Association. A severe or unusual headache is a sign of bleeding in the brain, while vomiting blood or blood in the stool or urine is a sign of bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract.
Bleeding During Medical Procedures
Because of the risk of bleeding, Coumadin can complicate any surgeries, dental work or other medical procedures, according to the American Heart Association. All healthcare providers should know that a patient is on Coumadin, and sometimes the patient may need to stop taking it to have the procedure done.
Drug Interactions
Many common medications can increase or decrease the bleeding risk due to Coumadin, according to the American Heart Association. Common over-the-counter pain killers like ibuprofen, alcohol and certain foods can increase the bleeding risk of Coumadin.
Common Side Effects
The most common side effects of Coumadin are gas, fatigue, loss of skin color and hair, feeling cold or changes in the way things taste, according to MedlinePlus. Patients should call a doctor immediately if they have any of these symptoms: pain; swelling; bleeding that won't stop; nosebleeds; bleeding gums; coughing up or vomiting blood or something that looks like coffee grounds; unusual bleeding or bruising; increased menstrual flow or vaginal bleeding; pink, red or brown urine; red or black stool; headache; dizziness; or weakness.
Gangrene
Coumadin can cause gangrene, according to MedlinePlus. This can cause the death of skin or whole parts of the body, and sometimes leads to the need for amputation. Symptoms include a purplish or dark skin discoloration; other skin changes; open sores; severe pain that happens for no apparent reason; and a change in color or temperature in any area of the body, particularly the toes. Immediate medical care is needed if any of these symptoms occur.
