The Effects of Coumadin

Coumadin is a prescription medication that is also know by the generic name warfarin. This medication is an anticoagulant, which means that it thins the blood by blocking the blood's clotting mechanism. Coumadin may be helpful in preventing blood clots, strokes and heart attacks. Talk to your doctor about what to do in the event of a serious side effect while taking Coumadin. You will also need to discuss your diet with your doctor, as it may affect your medication.

Mild Side Effects

Coumadin may cause mild side effects in some patients. These side effects should not be a major cause for concern, but if they bother you, discuss them with your doctor. Side effects may include hair loss, bloating, gas, stomach pain, nausea and vomiting.

Serious Side Effects

Coumadin may also cause more serious side effects including purple toes or fingers, other skin discoloration or changes, sudden leg or foot pain, pain in your stomach, back or sides, sudden numbness or weakness, sudden headache, problems with your speech, vision or balance, confusion, bloody urine, black or tarry stools, nosebleeds, coughing up blood, bloody gums, lightheadedness, weakness, easy bruising or bleeding, fever, jaundice, dark urine, loss of appetite, diarrhea, chills, body aches and other flu symptoms. If you have any of these symptoms, contact your doctor. In addition, if you experience an allergic reaction (such as facial swelling, hives or problems breathing) go to the emergency room immediately.

Overdose

Never take more of your medication than your doctor prescribes. If you do think that you've overdosed, go to the emergency room. Women who have overdosed may experience heavy menstrual bleeding. Other signs of a possible overdose include broken blood vessels under the skin, bruising, excessive bleeding from cuts and blood in your urine or stools.

Pre-existing Conditions

You should not use Coumadin if you have a bleeding disorder, a stomach ulcer or stomach bleeding, an infection of the heart, swelling around the heart, a blood cell disorder or a history of bleeding in the brain, an aneurysm or a blood clot. In addition, you may also be unable to take Coumadin if you have kidney or liver disease, an intestinal disorder, hypertension, uncontrolled diabetes, cancer, congestive heart failure, an overactive thyroid, a recent injury or surgery, a connective tissue disorder or a seizure disorder. Never use Coumadin if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Coumadin is in the FDA pregnancy category X.

Interactions

While taking Coumadin, you may be unable to take other medications. This list includes acetaminophen, aspirin and NSAIDS. Coumadin may also interact with over-the-counter supplements such as bromelain, gingko, garlic, ginseng, St. John's wort, danshen, dong quai and coenzyme Q10.

Special Considerations

When you are on Coumadin, you will need to avoid any abrupt changes in your diet. Specifically, discuss with your doctor your intake of vitamin K, which can decrease the efficacy of Coumadin. Vitamin K is naturally found in foods such as spinach, liver, broccoli, collards and other green vegetables. You should also avoid eating cranberries, cranberry juice or other cranberry products. Do not consume alcohol while using Coumadin. You also should avoid sports or other activities in which you may become injured. Also, you may need to stop taking Coumadin if you are going to have surgery soon.