Fish oil is a popular supplement that can be taken to treat a variety of health problems, including a high risk of having a heart attack or stroke. Fish oil is safe for most people to use, but it can interact with some medications, such as coumadin. If you start taking fish oil, talk to your doctor to make sure it is safe for you.
Fish Oil
Fish oil and coumadin are generally taken to treat different conditions. Fish oil is a supplement that comes from the fats found in certain fish, such as mackerel, herring, lake trout and sardines. Fish oil is often taken by people who have an elevated risk of having a stroke or heart attack because it lowers blood pressure and reduces triglyceride levels. You may also take fish oil for depression, bipolar disorder, attention-deficit hyperactive disorder, rheumatoid arthritis and asthma.
Coumadin
Coumadin, also known as warfarin, is an anticoagulant medication, which means that it makes it harder for the blood to clot. People with irregular heartbeats are often given warfarin because the irregular heartbeat can lead to blood clots in the heart and blood vessels. If you have an artificial heart valve or have recently had a heart attack, you may also be given coumadin. Warfarin may also be used to treat other disorders involving blood clotting, such as pulmonary embolism and venous thromboses.
Fish Oil and Coumadin Interaction
Fish oil can interact with warfarin and other blood-thinning medications. The omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil make it harder for platelets to stick together. This platelet adhesion is an important part of blood clotting, so fish oil also thins the blood. When fish oil is combined with other blood thinners, such as coumadin, there is the risk that your blood will become too thin, which can cause you to bleed or bruise more easily.
Dosage Adjustments
If you take fish oil and coumadin, you should talk to your doctor to see if your coumadin dosage needs to be adjusted. To determine if your dose needs to be changed, tests that measure your blood's ability to clot, such as the INR test, can be performed to see if your blood is getting too thin. You should also tell your physician if you develop pain, swelling, nosebleeds, bleeding gums after brushing, increased menstrual flow, red or brown urine and red or black stools.
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