Coumadin, the brand name for the blood thinner warfarin, is prescribed for heart and circulatory issues. The drug itself also poses some health risks. Every additional medication or dietary supplement you take must be scrutinized for possible side effects or drug interactions, some potentially fatal. This caution even applies to your multivitamins. Coumadin can cause negative interactions with several types of drugs, including antibiotics, acetaminophen and aspirin. If you take Coumadin, discuss the use of any supplements with your doctor.
Definition
Warfarin is the generic name for this blood thinner, or anti-clotting drug. Its primary purpose is to prevent the formation of clots. Your doctor may prescribe a blood thinner to prevent a heart attack or stroke, or if you have an artificial heart valve replacement to prevent the formation of deadly clots. Though effective, warfarin carries several health risks that can impact your diet and the supplements you take.
Vitamin K
One of the biggest concerns regarding multivitamins and warfarin is vitamin K intake. An individual on warfarin must take frequent blood tests to measure clotting time to ensure proper dosage of the drug. Vitamin K and warfarin have opposite effects. Vitamin K promotes blood clotting, and warfarin prevents it. Fluctuations in your vitamin K intake can interfere with the action of warfarin and reduce its effectiveness, increasing your risk for bleeding.
Additives
Multivitamins often contain other ingredients for added health value. If you take Coumadin, read the labels on all vitamin supplements carefully, noting any additional ingredients that may affect your medication. You should avoid products that contain cranberry, coenzyme Q10, garlic or ginkgo biloba. Any of these herbal supplements can increase your risk of fatal bleeding when you take Coumadin.
Guidelines
Discuss taking a multivitamin with your doctor if you take warfarin. Once you have begun taking a multivitamin, you should stick with the recommended dosage and avoiding changes in use, especially if it contains vitamin K. Your dosage of warfarin is dependent upon your blood test results. If you make changes to your diet, your dosage may be too high or low. Other vitamins can impact your body's ability to absorb vitamin K, such as high intake of vitamins A and E. Your multivitamin should not exceed the RDA for any nutrients.
