Are there any foods that I should avoid when I take Coumadin?

When you take Coumadin, you should avoid certain foods like cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage and spinach. If you are trying to lose weight, check with your doctor first because drastic changes in weight can lead to Coumadin toxicity. Limit the amount of cranberry juice in your diet as it may affect how Coumadin works. If you miss a dose of Coumadin, never double the dose the next time as it may lead to excessive bleeding. It is important that you tell your surgeon or dentist that you are taking Coumadin prior to any surgical procedure. One should also avoid getting injections into the arms or buttocks while taking Coumadin.

What are side effects of Coumadin that I should worry about?

Side effects of Coumadin include nausea, loss of appetite, or mild abdominal cramps. These side effects do not occur in everyone and are well tolerated. Other side effects are more serious and include severe bleeding and easy bruising. If your blood thinning count is too high, you can bleed with even minor trauma. If you see blood in you stools, urine or cough up blood, you must stop the medication and see the doctor. Other side effects of Coumadin include frequent nosebleeds, prolonged bleeding from minor cuts, prolonged menstrual bleeding and black tarry stools. To ensure that these side effects do not occur it is vital that you go and get your blood thinning levels measured regularly.

I have been started on Coumadin for blood clots. I have read the medication can cause many problems. what is the safest way to take it?

When you buy Coumadin, your doctor/pharmacist will tell you exactly how to take the medication. Coumadin can be taken by mouth with a glass of water. It can even be taken with or without food. Coumadin is only supposed to be taken once a day. Never increase the dose or duration of Coumadin without first speaking to your doctor. Do not stop the drug unless you have been told to do so by your doctor. The dose of Coumadin is based on your medical condition and response. All individuals who take Coumadin have to get regular blood work to ensure that the blood thinning levels are right for you.

I have been told that I have a blood clot in my leg and have been given warfarin. How long should I remain on this medicine?

If you have blood clots in your legs, you need to be on a blood thinner –which is warfarin. It is sold as Coumadin and is an excellent drug for people with blood clots. If blood clots are not treated, they may break off and fly off to the lung. In most cases of a first time blood clot in the leg, you need to take the medication for at least 6 -9 months.