Microsoft word - coumadin_ed_handout.doc

Taking Coumadin
Frequently Asked Questions
Follow These Tips:
What drugs interact with Coumadin?
• Take Coumadin at the same time each day. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember – Drug interactions are common between coumadin and many drugs. unless it’s almost time for your next dose. If so, Please discuss and prescription and over-the-counter meds with skip the missed dose. Do not take a double dose. your provider. Herbal medications may also interact with • Go for your blood (protime / INR) tests as often Coumadin. Inform your healthcare provider if you intend to take herbal and/or natural products since you may need to be monitored • Don’t take any other medications without checking with your healthcare provider first. This Can I drink alcohol with taking Coumadin?
According to the prescribing information for Coumadin, you • Tell all healthcare providers that you take should avoid drinking alcohol while taking Coumadin since Coumadin. It’s also a good idea to carry a alcohol can change the way your body responds to the medicine. medical ID card or wear a medical-alert braclet. You should speak to your healthcare provider about the effect of • Use a soft toothbrush and an electric razor. • Don’t go barefoot. And don’t trim corns or What should I know about the vitamin K content of foods
and Coumadin therapy?
When To Call Your Healthcare Provider:
The amount of vitamin K in your diet can change the way Coumadin works for you. If you eat a lot of foods that are high in Call your healthcare provider before you take your vitamin K, you can decrease the effect of Coumadin. On the other Coumadin if you have any of these problems: hand, lowering your vitamin K intake can increase the effect of Coumadin. You should try to eat a normal balanced diet keeping • Bleeding that doesn’t stop in 10 minutes the amount of vitamin K the same everyday. It is important that • A heavier than normal period or bleeding you check with your healthcare provider before making any major In general, leafy green vegetables and certain legumes and vegetable oils contain high amounts of vitamin K. Some foods that are low in vitamin K include roots, bulbs, tubers, the fleshy part of fruits, fruit juices, and other beverages. Cereal grains and other • Red or black-and-blue marks on the skin that milled products are also low in Vitamin K. • A fever or an illness that gets worse What should I do if I accidentally miss taking my daily dose
of Coumadin?
The Coumadin prescribing information states, “If the patient • A serious fall or a blow to the head forgets to take the prescribed dose of Coumadin at the scheduled • Swollen lips, tongue, throat, or face time, the dose should be taken as soon as possible on the same day. The patient should not take the missed dose by doubling the daily What should I do if I am planning on having surgery?
• Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice) Tell your doctor. Your doctor should then discuss your condition with your surgeon. It is very important to confirm that your doctor and surgeon have communicated regarding your Coumadin therapy and upcoming surgery. This includes dental surgery. Purple discoloration of your toes or fingers Anticoagulants such as Coumadin can increase bleeding during surgery. Depending on your condition and what kind of surgery you are having, your doctor and surgeon will decide if anything needs to change in your Coumadin therapy.

Source: http://www.hessclinic.com/images/docs/coumadin_ed_handout.pdf