1. It Stops the Clots
Coumadin is a prescription drug that doctors prescribe, not only to stop clotting, but to break up clots. If you're prone to the development of blood clots, your doctor may prescribe it for you. Many physicians also prescribe Coumadin as a prophylactic measure following a stroke or heart attack since it's a powerful blood thinner.
2. Be Careful What You Take it With
To reduce the risk of interactions, tell your doctor about all medications you take, whether they're herbal, over-the-counter or prescription drugs. You shouldn't take Coumadin with alcohol or aspirin, since these also thin the blood. If you're on a vitamin K supplement, make sure that the doctor knows that, too. Vitamin K clots the blood. Because it has the opposite effect of Coumadin, it reduces the effectiveness of the medication. Also tell your doctor about tobacco and alcohol use.
3. Check the Food You Eat
Overconsumption of foods high in vitamin K also negate the effect of the Coumadin. Many green leafy vegetables, vegetable oils, liver and even egg yolk are high in vitamin K. Popeye would have to give up his spinach if he were taking Coumadin. If you take Coumadin and are about to embark on a special diet, check it over with your doctor before you begin. Look up the foods and check for high concentrations of vitamin K. Cranberry juice and Coumadin don't combine well.
4. Alert the Paramedics and Surgeons
Always wear a medical alert bracelet if you're taking Coumadin. That way, paramedics on the scene have a chance to evaluate your condition and account for any unusual bleeding or look for signs of internal bleeding. If you require surgery in an emergency situation, the surgeons know that your blood is thinner than usual from the drug. Most surgeons won't do surgery on a patient on Coumadin until he's had a few days away from the drug because bleeding to death is a great risk. Give yourself a fighting chance and let others know, even if you're unconscious.
5. You Aren't Dying from a Kidney Disease
Sometimes the use of Coumadin makes the urine a little reddish-orange. This is perfectly normal and doesn't mean that you have internal bleeding or any urinary-tract problem. You just have color-coded urine.
