DOWNRIVER CARDIOLOGY CONSULTANTS, P.C.
Coumadin® Informational
Brochure
What is Coumadin?
 You may hear your healthcare provider (e.g. doctor, pharmacist, or
nurse) call Coumadin an “anticoagulant”
 “Anti” means “against”
 “Coagulant” refers to blood clotting
 Coumadin helps stop harmful blood clots from forming.
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Small changes in your dosage can make a big difference.
Too much drug = bleeding
Not enough drug = risk of blood clot.
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What should you do while taking Coumadin?
Take Coumadin exactly as you are told to by your healthcare provider.
Tell anyone giving you medical or dental care that you are taking
Coumadin.
Take any missed dose as soon as possible on the same day up until
midnight. After midnight, just forget the dose and resume your normal
schedule the next day. Tell your healthcare provider if you forget to
take a tablet.
Keep eating habits and activities consistent.
Keep all PT/INR test appointments.
Tell your healthcare provider before you change, start or stop taking
other medications.
Take your medication as directed by your healthcare provider.
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How does Coumadin work?
Your blood normally clots to stop bleeding.
But too much clotting means you could have a stroke, heart attack or
other serious problem.
Coumadin helps stop harmful blood clots from forming.
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What are the risks of taking Coumadin?
The most common side effect and serious risk of oral anticoagulation
therapy with Coumadin is bleeding in any tissue, or organ.
Numerous factors, including travel, changes in diet, environment, general
health, and medication may
Affect your response to Coumadin.
What should you not do while taking Coumadin?
 Do not take a double dose of Coumadin the next day to make up for a
missed dose.
 Do not take Coumadin if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
 Do not take any other medicine, prescription or over-the-counter without
asking your healthcare provider first.
How much Coumadin should you take?
Every patient is different; your dose is the right amount for your personal
needs.
Your healthcare provider uses blood tests to find out how much
Coumadin you should be taking.
Once your dose is prescribed, take it exactly as directed by your
healthcare provider.
Important things to remember
 Take Coumadin at the same time every day.
 Keep all appointments for blood tests.
 Call your healthcare provider if you have any questions, problems or
lifestyle changes.
 Watch for signs of bleeding
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Why should I stay on the same general diet every day?
Too Much or Too Little?
Vitamin K helps the body form clots.
Changing the amount of Vitamin K you eat may change the amount of
Coumadin you should be taking.
Tell your healthcare provider about major changes in your diet.
Why do you need to know your PT/INR?
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PT/INRs help your healthcare provider see how fast your blood is
clotting and whether your dosage of Coumadin should change.
What things may change your PT/INR results?
Tell your healthcare provider about changes in any of these things:
 Illness
 Other medications-prescriptions and over-the-counter.
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Diet-food, nutritional and herbal supplements, vitamins.
Physical activities
Alcohol
Travel
What other things do I need to know?
 Tell your healthcare provider before you travel or start a new activity.
 Try not to take part in any activity or sport where you could be seriously
hurt.
 Avoid alcohol
 Keep eating habits consistent
What other things can help?
 You may want to wear medical identification
 You may want to carry a Coumadin patient ID card
 Use a dosage calendar to keep track of your Coumadin doses.
Call your healthcare provider immediately if you have…
 Different colored stools or urine
 Pain or swelling
 Unusual bruising (black and blue marks on your skin)
 Coughing or throwing up blood (coffee grounds)
 Fever or sickness
 Diarrhea or infection
 Headache, dizziness, trouble breathing, chest pain or if you feel weak or
more tired than usual.
Call your healthcare provider immediately if you have…
 A serious fall or if you hit your head.
 Bleeding that does not stop
 More bleeding than usual: when brushing your teeth or during your
menstrual period.