coumarin-type drugs-oral

Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage | Medical Alert

USES: This medication is a blood thinner used to keep blood flowing smoothly and prevent the formation of blood clots.

HOW TO USE: Take this exactly as prescribed. Try to take this medication at the same time each day so you remember to take it. Your dose may be adjusted several times based on lab tests. Do not stop taking this without your doctor's approval.

SIDE EFFECTS: Loss of appetite, nausea, diarrhea or blurred vision may occur at first as your body adjusts to the medication. Inform your doctor if you experience: unusual bleeding or bruising, blood in the urine or stools, severe headache. May cause urine to turn orange-red in color. This is not harmful and will disappear when the medication is stopped. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS: Before taking this drug, tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: bleeding problems (ulcers or lengthy or heavy menstrual periods), diabetes, liver or kidney disease, high blood pressure, arthritis, thyroid problems, any infection, recent surgery, any allergies. Do not switch to a different brand name of this drug product because it may differ in effect. It is important that all doctors and dentists treating you know that you take this drug so that they can avoid prescribing other drugs that may interfere with its effect. Do not stop using other medications you are currently using unless directed to do so by your doctor. Do not start taking any nonprescription drugs including vitamins and nutritional supplements without consulting your doctor. If you have an illness that causes vomiting, diarrhea, or fever for more than a few days, contact your doctor. These problems can change the effect of this drug. Limit your consumption of alcoholic beverages. Ask your doctor how much, if any, alcohol you may consume. Patients taking this drug should avoid sudden changes in dietary habits. They should avoid ingesting unusual increases of foods rich in Vitamin K (liver, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, kale, spinach and other green leafy vegetables, green beans, green tea, some cheeses and some vitamin supplements). They should also avoid strictly vegetarian diets that consist of foods high in Vitamin K content. This drug must not be used during pregnancy. If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. This drug is excreted into breast milk. Though no problems to the infant have been noted to date, consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription drugs you may use, especially of: aspirin or aspirin-like drugs (salicylates), anabolic steroids, barbiturates, clofibrate, phenylbutazone, disulfiram, cimetidine, sulfa-drugs, metronidazole, vitamin E, cholestyramine, phenytoin, erythromycin-like antibiotics, propylthiouracil, injectable antibiotics, griseofulvin, ethchlorvynol, quinidine, quinine, thyroid medication, allopurinol, glucagon, rifampin, glutethimide, aminoglutethimide, chloramphenicol, carbamazepine, vitamin K (or its derivatives), dextrothyroxine, anti-inflammatory medication used for arthritis or fever reduction, birth control pills, dong quai, ginkgo biloba, ginseng. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly. Symptoms of overdose may include bleeding, unusually fast heartbeat, dizziness, nausea/vomiting, diarrhea, or stomach pain.

NOTES: While taking this medication, be extra careful to avoid injuries. This medication can cause heavy bleeding. Use an electric razor and be careful brushing your teeth. Do not allow anyone else to take your medication.

MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, take as soon as remembered; do not take if it is almost time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up. Keep a record of missed doses to give to your doctor. Call your doctor if you miss 2 or more doses.

STORAGE: Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (between 15 and 30 degrees C) away from moisture and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom.

MEDICAL ALERT: Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For enrollment information call MedicAlert at 1-800-854-1166 (USA), or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).

SLIDESHOW

Heart Disease: Causes of a Heart Attack See Slideshow