Coumadin, or warfarin sodium, is an anticoagulant prescribed to treat or prevent blood clots as in the case of a stroke, myocardial infarction (heart attack) or status postsurgery. It also is used to keep clots from migrating to the lungs (pulmonary embolism), which can be fatal. Patients on blood thinners must be monitored because of the increased bleeding potential. Coumadin inhibits vitamin K coagulating properties, so check with your doctor before eating foods high in this vitamin.
Common Side Effects
Coumadin can produce the common symptoms of gastrointestinal distress such as abdominal cramping, feeling bloated or full, excess gas, nausea and an altered sense of taste. Other effects can involve discomfort, for example, muscle and/or joint pain. Also, one may notice feeling cold and weak as well as a little dizzy or drowsy when starting coumadin.
Increased Bleeding
Since coumadin is an anticoagulating agent, increased instances of bleeding are likely. Some bleeding may not have been previously experienced, or now may just take longer to subside. Examples here may include: nosebleeds; gums that bleed after brushing or flossing; minor cuts or scrapes that continue to ooze; and easy bruising. In addition, females may experience heavier bleeding during menstrual periods while on this medication. Make sure that you notify your physician if any of these events occur, and keep the draining site clean and covered.
Hemorrhage
In addition to excess bleeding from external cuts, puncture wounds or scrapes, coumadin may increase the risk of internal hemorrhaging from various organs and other internal sites. This can be a dangerous and life-threatening situation should it occur. For example, internal bleeding may occur in the urinary system as evidenced by the excretion of pink- or red-tinged urine. Hemorrhaging may also occur from a gastrointestinal region, such as in vomit that has traces of blood in it. Red or black tarry stools are other signs of hemorrhaging along the intestinal tract. In addition, internal bleeding in the lungs may be indicated if one coughs up blood or has pink-stained sputum. The doctor needs to be informed immediately so that the patient can be evaluated and treatment begun.
Necrosis
According to RxList.com, taking anticoagulating agents can result not only in the serious effects of hemorrhaging but also in skin tissue necrosis (death), which basically refers to gangrene. A blood vessel may get clogged by a piece of material, which then means that blood flow gets blocked, and areas below the blockage become ischemic (cut off from blood supply). A common example is noticing pain or color changes in the lower extremities. If feet or toes become cold and start turning purple or black, this may be a sign of such a process. This is an emergency situation, and you should get to a physician immediately to prevent prolonged tissue damage or gangrene in the affected extremity.
