Coumadin -- also known by its generic name, warfarin -- is in a class of medications called anticoagulants, or blood thinners. It works by decreasing the clotting ability of the blood. It helps treat and prevent blood clots from forming. Because prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins and supplements can react with Coumadin, it's important that your physician is aware of all the medications and supplements you are taking.
Disclosure
One of the difficulties with Coumadin therapy is that while you may think to disclose prescription medications you are taking, you may not think about vitamins, herbs or other supplements you use. Because a number of supplements can react with Coumadin, it's a good idea to make a list of all supplements and herbs you take, including the dosages and times taken, for your physician to review. Do not stop taking any medications or supplements without discussing it with your doctor.
Herbs
While you may find therapeutic benefits from taking herbs, several of them are associated with adverse side effects when you take them with Coumadin. True Star Health lists almost 20 herbs known to react adversely with Coumadin. These include American ginseng, cranberry, garlic, ginger, Ginkgo biloba, quinine, reishi and sweet clover. Taking these supplements with Coumadin may cause reactions ranging from easy bleeding to a rash to difficulty breathing. If you experience severe bleeding, body swelling, chest pain, nausea, trouble moving or tingling in your body, seek immediate medical assistance.
Absorption Reactions
In addition to concerns over adverse reactions, some supplements can affect the way the body absorbs certain medications. Supplements like coenzyme Q10, green tea, iron, St. John's wort, zinc and magnesium all may affect the rate of absorption or breakdown of Coumadin in your body. This can be dangerous because your physician monitors your Coumadin levels based on a specific breakdown rate. If this rate speeds up or slows down, you could have too much or too little Coumadin in the body, which affects your blood's ability to clot.
Vitamin K
Vitamin K is a supplement commonly associated with adverse reactions when taking Coumadin. Taking a vitamin K supplement that causes you to exceed the recommended daily intake for the vitamin -- 120 micrograms for men and 90 micrograms for women -- can lead to heightened risks for bleeding problems. Your physician also may recommend limiting foods high in vitamin K such as kale, spinach and collard greens.
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