Coumadin

Before taking warfarin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. Coumadin may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using Coumadin, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history,blood disorders (such as anemia, hemophilia), bleeding problems (such as bleeding of the stomach/intestines, bleeding in the brain), blood vessel disorders (such as aneurysms), recent major injury/surgery, kidney disease, liver disease, alcohol use, mental/mood disorders (including memory problems), frequent falls/injuries. It is important that all your doctors and dentists know that you take warfarin. Before having surgery or any medical/dental procedures, tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking Coumadin and about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). Avoid getting injections into the muscles. If you must have an injection into a muscle (for example, a flu shot), it should be given in the arm. This way, it will be easier to check for bleeding and/or apply pressure bandages. Coumadin may cause stomach bleeding. Daily use of alcohol while using this medicine will increase your risk for stomach bleeding and may also affect how Coumadin works. Limit alcoholic beverages. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about how much alcohol you may safely drink. If you have not been eating well, if you have an illness or infection that causes fever, vomiting, or diarrhea for more than 2 days, or if you start using any antibiotic medications, contact your doctor or pharmacist right away because these conditions can affect how warfarin works. Coumadin can cause heavy bleeding. To lower the chance of getting cut, bruised, or injured, use great caution with sharp objects like safety razors and nail cutters. Use an electric razor when shaving and a soft toothbrush when brushing your teeth. Avoid activities such as contact sports. If you fall or injure yourself, especially if you hit your head, call your doctor right away. Your doctor may need to check you. The Food and Drug Administration has stated that generic warfarin products are interchangeable. However, consult your doctor or pharmacist before switching warfarin products. Be careful not to take more than one medication that contains warfarin unless specifically directed by the doctor or health care provider who is monitoring your warfarin treatment. Older adults may be at greater risk for bleeding while using Coumadin. Coumadin is not recommended for use during pregnancy because of serious (possibly fatal) harm to an unborn baby. Discuss with your doctor the use of reliable forms of birth control while taking Coumadin and for 1 month after stopping the medication. If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, tell your doctor right away. If you are planning pregnancy, discuss a plan for managing your condition with your doctor before you become pregnant. Your doctor may switch the type of medication you use during pregnancy. Since Coumadin can be absorbed through the skin and lungs and may harm an unborn baby, women who are pregnant or who may become pregnant should not handle Coumadin or breathe the dust from the tablets. Very small amounts of Coumadin may pass into breast milk but is unlikely to harm a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.