Coumadin (Warfarin)

What is Generic Coumadin?

Coumadin is a drug related to anticoagulants of indirect action. It has the ability to block in the liver synthesis of clotting factors (vitamin K-dependent). As a result, the concentration of these components in the blood decreases, the coagulation process slows down. After 36-72 hours after administration, the beginning of an anticoagulant action is observed. The maximum effect develops after 5-7 days.

In what kind of disease treatment Coumadin is helpful?

Generic Coumadin is prescribed for the prevention and treatment of the following conditions and pathologies:

·        Thrombosis of peripheral, coronary and cerebral arteries, superficial and deep veins. It is prescribed regardless of the severity of the disease - prevention, a mild stage, acute and recurrent, postoperative thrombosis.

·        Embolism of blood vessels and arteries.

·        Strokes and post-stroke state.

·        Rehabilitation period after myocardial infarction. For the prevention of thrombosis, repeated attacks and other complications.

·        Atrial fibrillation.

·        Damage to the heart valves.

·        Prosthesis of heart valves and vessels (often in combination with acetylsalicylic acid).

·        Electrical cardioversion of atrial fibrillation (as an auxiliary tool).

What should I tell my health care provider before I take Generic Coumadin?

It is inadmissible to take the medicine with:

·        acute bleeding or increased risk of their occurrence;

·        pregnancy;

·        thrombohemorrhagic syndrome;

·        deficiency of proteins C and S;

·        increased level of platelets in the blood (thrombocytopenia);

·        varicose veins of the esophagus;

·        aneurysm of arteries;

·        stomach ulcer;

·        duodenal ulcer;

·        lumbar puncture;

·        severe wounds.

With caution appoint Coumadin with thrombocytopenia, hypertension arterial, violations of blood clotting, impaired renal / hepatic function, gastric ulcer disease, hyperthyroidism, chronic alcoholism, cerebral hemorrhages. Also it is important to read an instruction carefully if you buy Coumadin online.

How should I take Coumadin?

This drug is prescribed for oral administration. To achieve maximum therapeutic effect, experts advise taking the drug at the same time. Preferably in the morning hours (if the reception is assigned a one-time appointment).

Dosage information

The duration of the course is determined by the doctor individually and depends on various factors: the type and duration of the disease, the clinical condition of the patient, age, and concomitant pathologies. Before the start of therapy, a number of laboratory tests are assigned to the patient: a general blood test, biochemistry, blood clotting parameters.

For most patients, the drug is prescribed to take one tablet a day. Except for some conditions. Patients who had previously taken drugs that include warfarin, during the first four days are appointed to take two tablets per day. Then the diagnosis of blood for coagulability is carried out and a maintenance dose of the drug is determined - 1-3 tablets per day (2.5-7.5 mg).

In acute and recurrent thrombosis treatment is combined with heparin until the effect of anticoagulant therapy is fully manifested. Usually it takes 2 to 6 days.

What may interact with Generic Coumadin?

Before starting treatment, it is important for the patient to inform the doctor about taking other medications. Many of them can react badly and lead to negative consequences.

1.      Drugs diuretics can reduce the anticoagulant effect.

2.      Action of Coumadin can also reduce the intake of vitamin K, paracetamol, rifampicin, retinoids, phenazone, sucralfate, carbamazepine, barbiturates, glutetimide, dicloxacillin, colestyramine, griseofulvin and mianserin.

3.      Also it is dangerous with NSAIDs. This applies to cimetidine, dipyridamole and valproic acid. At the time of treatment, the analogs of these drugs are selected. So, the doctor can replace cimetidine with ranitidine. If these drugs cannot be canceled, the therapy is temporarily suspended.

4.      The use of laxatives increases the risk of bleeding.

What should I watch for while taking Generic Coumadin?

It is inadmissible to use the medication Coumadin in the first trimester, and also in the last 28 days of pregnancy. The drug does not affect the processes of blood clotting in a child and is excreted in breast milk in vague quantities. This means that you can use the product during lactation, but for complete safety during the first 3 days of treatment, breastfeeding should be discontinued.

During treatment, you must strictly adhere to this dose in order to avoid the development of bleeding.

What side effects may I notice from Generic Coumadin?

Where can I keep Coumadin?

The drug manufacturer advises you to store the drug in a place inaccessible to children, protected from moisture and light. The recommended storage temperature is 25  C or less. Compliance with the above conditions allows you to apply the drug for the entire shelf life, which is 5 years. You can also buy Coumadin without prescription in every country, for example Portugal online pharmacy.