Coumadin Information

 Important: Not all patients are prescribed Coumadin after surgery.

Why do I need to take Coumadin?

Coumadin (Warfarin) is given for a number of medical conditions, typically for irregular heart rhythms or patients who have been diagnosed with a blood clot. It can also be given to you as a prophylactic (preventative) treatment while you recover from surgery. Overall, Coumadin lengthens the amount of time it takes your blood to clot, preventing the formation of blood clots and preventing existing clots from getting larger.

If your doctor prescribes Coumadin after your surgery the treatment will last 3 weeks. In the three weeks you will be expected to have your blood drawn 2 times per week so we can determine if the Coumadin dose is keeping your blood clotting time at a therapeutic level.  During your treatment someone from our office will contact you after 4pm on the days of your blood draw to advise you of your dosage (which can change). Please take your medication in the evening and it is important to take it all at one time. Do not divide dosages through out the day.

Your blood draws will be arranged upon discharge if you require Home Health. If you do not need Home Health then you will be given a script to take to a Lab in your home area to get the blood draws. Please make sure that if you go to a lab it is best to do it first thing in the morning so we can get the results faxed to our office by 4:00 pm.

What do I need to be aware of while I am taking Coumadin?

The following are common side effects and are not cause for alarm unless they are occurring with greater frequency than usual:

• Your gums may bleed when you brush your teeth, however, this should stop when you rinse your mouth.  Try switching to a softer brush while you are taking Coumadin.
• You may have an occasional nose bleed.
• You will have a tendency to bruise more easily.
• You will bleed longer after you cut yourself.  If you get a cut, hold firm pressure over the site for 5-10 minutes and the bleeding should stop.
• Women who are still menstruating may have heavier periods. 

What symptoms are cause for alarm?

• Coughing up blood.
• Blood in the stool or urine (your stool may appear black or tarry).
• Any bleeding that doesn’t stop in 10 minutes.
• Bleeding that is severe and excessive.

If you are having mild versions of these symptoms call our office.  If the symptoms are severe, go to the nearest Emergency Department.

Does Coumadin interact with other medicines?

Yes.  Coumadin has interactions with both prescription and over the counter medications.  Because we will be taking care of you in the hospital, we will be aware of your medications and adjust your Coumadin accordingly.



Does Coumadin interact with food/alcohol?

Yes.  If you take Coumadin, it is best to avoid alcohol altogether. It is also best to avoid Green Tea.  Green vegetables contain Vitamin K, which can decrease the action of Coumadin. 

Here is a list of foods high in Vitamin K that should only be eaten in moderation:

What if I miss a dose of Coumadin?

NEVER DOUBLE YOUR DOSE OF COUMADIN THE NEXT DAY IF YOU FORGET A DOSE!  Simply resume your regular dose the next day.