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Are You on a Blood Thinner? What You Need to Know
By Deb Bloom of Gimme One of Each
I'm a Home Health Nurse and every day I teach patients about home safety, fall prevention, medication and other aspects of their care. Although you should always check with your doctor regarding your health and your medications, I'd like to tell you a few things you should know if you're taking Coumadin. I will let you know the important highlights, but you can get a teaching pamphlet at any doctor's office, hospital or ask your local Home Health office. You could also request a booklet at Coumadin.com . What is Coumadin?
Coumadin is an anti-coagulant medicine. It is used to lower the chance of blood clots forming in your body. Blood clots can cause stroke, heart attacks or other serious conditions or could settle in the legs or lungs. How Does Coumadin Work?
Usually the liver produces clotting factors that help the blood clot and prevent bleeding. Some blood clots can cause serious problems. Coumadin blocks the formation of clotting factors in the liver, thus preventing the formation of blood clots. Who Should Take Coumadin?
Patients who are at an increased risk for developing blood clots. For example patients with arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation, new heart valves (either tissue or mechanical) or those at increased risk for stroke. Your Physician will decide if you need to be treated with Coumadin. Who Should NOT Take Coumadin?
1. Women who are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Coumadin can cause death or birth defects to an unborn baby.
2. People allergic to warfarin or anything else in Coumadin.
3. You should not take Coumadin if your chance of having bleeding problems is higher than the possible benefit of the treatment. Your Physician will decide if this medication is right for you, your will need a prescription for this drug. What is the Most Important Thing to Know About Coumadin?
1. Take the medication exactly as ordered by your Physician.
2. Get lab work done when it's ordered. It's important to maintain the correct dose of this medication. Symptoms of Bleeding Problems You Should Contact Your Health Professional About.
1. Pain, swelling, discomfort in leg or calf.
2. Headaches, dizziness or weakness.
3. Unusual bruising on arms or legs of unknown origin.
4. Nosebleeds
5. Bleeding Gums
6. Bleeding with a cut and having a difficult time getting it to stop bleeding.
7. Pink or brown urine.
8. Red or black stool
9. Coughing up blood.
10. Vomiting blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds. Interventions to Help Decrease Complications While Taking Coumadin
1. Avoid other medications unless consulting your doctor first.
2. Eat a normal balanced diet but avoid foods high in potassium. Leafy green vegetables contain large amounts of Vitamin K. Too much Vitamin K can lower the effect of Coumadin.
3. Avoid alcohol and cranberry juice.
4. Carry information or wear a Medical Alert Bracelet that tells medical professionals that you are on a blood thinner.
5. Have your blood checked as directed by your physician. The blood test is called a Prothrombin Time and International Normalized Ratio or PT/INR. These tests show how quickly your blood clots abd whether you're getting enough or too much Coumadin.
6. Use an electric razor instead of a straight razor.
7. Use a soft toothbrush and brush and floss gently. What Should I Do if I Have Complications?
1. If you get cut, it may take longer to get the bleeding stopped. If your cut is small, apply constant pressure until the bleeding stops. If it doesn't stop, keep applying pressure and report to the emergency room or local clinic if available.
2. If your cut is large, apply constant pressure and get help immediately. So if you're taking Coumadin, you will need to be under a doctor's close supervision. Follow his or her instructions closely and report any problems immediately.
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Contributor's Note
The health information contained herein is provided for general education purposes only. Your healthcare professional is the single best source of information regarding your health. Please consult your healthcare professional if you have any questions about your health or treatment. The information on this site is intended for residents of the United States.
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A look at Coumadin and the different doses.
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Another interesting thing about Coumadin it's effectiveness is affected by what you eat. In particular dark green vegetables lowers its effectiveness and can require a change in dosage. Usually if you are on coumadin you get your blood check frequently. But it is important to know that you need to make sure that you don't greatly change some part of your diet while taking this.
 |  | adac Jul 29, 2011 10:46 | |
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This intel was contributed by Morganna
Morganna
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