Coumadin/warfarin

Brand/Generic :Coumadin/Warfarin

Description/Purpose: common treatment in PH, anticoagulant pill – decreases clotting time of the blood.

Side effects: Bruising, bleeding gums

Drug interactions: Aspirin or motrin products may alter coumadin effects. Contact the parents before any other the counter medications are given.

Recommendations:

Take at the same time each day.
Do not take with food.
Herbal or dietary products affect the INR levels. Vitamin E increases effect.
Foods high in Vitamin K decrease the effects. Foods containing large amounts are garlic, green tea, ginseng and ginkgo. Avoid large amounts of asparagus, broccoli, brussel sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, and spinach. Do not change dietary habits once stablizied on warfarin therapy. A balance diet will contain vitamin K.
Alcohol decreases the effect of warfarin.
Co-enzyme Q 10 may decrease response to warfarin.

Emergency preparedness:

Notify the school staff that your child is taking coumadin.
The dentist and or orthodontist should know your child takes coumadin.
If a deep cut or bruise is experienced during physical sports or other activities apply pressure to stop the bleeding or ice to decrease the amount of bruising. Determine if you want to be contacted by the school.
Coumadin should be listed on a medical alert bracelet.

Other info:

If you switch to a generic form, get your INR checked soon afterwards, because the right dose may be a little different than with Coumadin. Don’t jump around from one generic version to another: each time you switch manufacturers, your INR needs rechecking. Open the bottle of pills before leaving the store to make sure they are the same ones you received before. ( PH: A patient’s survival guide pg 62)
Ask you pharmacist to inform you if they decide to switch manufacturers.
Antibiotics or fever may alter the INR
Your doctor should inform you of the desired INR level. Notify the lab of this level as well.
How often should labs be checked, usually monthly, ask your physician?
If dose is missed take as soon as possible, but do not double dose.