Coumadin is a brand name form of warfarin sodium. This prescription medication is indicated for the prevention and treatment of blood clots in the vein or in the pulmonary artery leading to the lung. It is also indicated for use with atrial fibrillation, after a heart attack and after heart valve replacement. Coumadin is usually given orally; it may be injected into the vein when necessary. It comes in strengths varying from 1 mg to 10 mg and is taken once per day.
Intended Effect
Vitamin K is one of several factors in the blood that affect blood clotting. Coumadin interferes with some of the actions of vitamin K. This helps prevent unwanted blood clots in people who are susceptible to them due to a medical condition. It does not dissolve existing clots, but will prevent them from worsening. This intended effect of warfarin sodium occurs when a sufficient amount of Coumadin is taken on a regular basis.
If you take Coumadin, your physician may monitor your blood closely. This is usually done by checking a laboratory value known as the INR. Your doctor will determine the ideal INR level for your condition and will adjust the amount of Coumadin you take to achieve the right level. Finding the right dose for you can take several weeks of adjustments. The amount of Coumadin you need to take may still change over time, due to a change in your condition, your eating habits, other medications or for unknown reasons.
Unintended Effect--Bleeding
Taking Coumadin can lead to bleeding episodes, especially at a higher dose than needed to maintain your ideal INR. These side effects may occur as bleeding in your gastrointestinal tract, as evidenced by tarry, black, purple or bloody stools. Bleeding can also occur in the urinary tract with urine color changes, such as red or dark urine. Your skin and mucus membranes may bleed easily; this can occur if you cut yourself shaving or brush your gums too hard. You may find that you bruise easily. Avoid risky activities that can increase your odds of internal or external bleeding and report any unusual bleeding events to your physician. Be alert for weakness, difficulty breathing, pale skin and unusual swelling, all indicators of a potential bleed somewhere in the body.
Unintended Effects--Other
Coumadin can produce other side effects. According to "2010 Lippincott's Nursing Drug Guide," nausea, hives, hair loss and skin inflammation are all common side effects of this drug.
References
- "2010 Lippincott's Nursing Drug Guide;" Amy M. Karch, R.N., M.S.; 2010
- Bristol-Myers Squibb: Coumadin Full Prescribing Information
- Drugs.com: Coumadin: Consumer Information
