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Overview Coumadin is known as a blood thinner or anticoagulant. That means it is prescribed to prevent the formation or recurrence of blood clots. People who experience a pulmonary embolism or thrombophlebitis in their legs often receive warfarin to reduce the risk of more serious complications. When clots are feared, this medicine may lower the likelihood of a heart attack or stroke.
Coumadin works by blocking key factors necessary for normal blood coagulation. Vitamin K plays an important role in this process. Getting the right dose can be a very tricky process. Too little warfarin may not allow for adequate clot protection, but too much could lead to life-threatening hemorrhage. Like Goldilocks and the porridge it may take some experimentation to get things just right. That requires frequent blood tests for prothrombin times, especially in the early phase of treatment.
Side Effects and Interactions Side effects of Coumadin therapy are uncommon if the dose is appropriate and blood tests are carefully monitored. Some people have occasionally reported hair loss, skin rash, itching, nausea, fever, digestive upset, diarrhea, hepatitis, purple toes, red-orange urine, prolonged, painful erections, and mouth ulcers. Report any such symptoms to your physician promptly.
A large number of over-the-counter and prescription medications may interact with Coumadin in a dangerous way. Some drugs, including barbiturates and the anticonvulsant Tegretol (carbamazepine), can reduce the effectiveness of Coumadin and increase the risk of blood clots. Others, such as the antibiotics metronidazole (Flagyl) or co-trimoxazole (Bactrim, Septra, etc.), can increase the blood thinning potential of Coumadin and thereby raise the risk of dangerous bleeding. The drugs Nolvadex (tamoxifen) and Danocrine (danazol) can also increase susceptibility to hemorrhage when a woman is taking Coumadin.
Because aspirin also acts as an anticoagulant, though it works differently from Coumadin, it should be avoided unless your doctor specifically prescribes it and monitors bleeding time. The heart drug Cordarone (amiodarone), the ulcer drug Tagamet (cimetidine), anabolic steroids such as Anadrol-50 (oxymetholone) and antibiotics such as Biaxin (clarithromycin), erythromycin or tetracycline can also make hazardous bleeding more likely for people on Coumadin. Some individuals may also be vulnerable to increased bleeding when they take the antidepressants Paxil (paroxetine), Prozac (fluoxetine) or Zoloft (sertraline). Also beware of quinine derivatives prescribed for the heart.
Patients should be wary of taking thyroid drugs, cholesterol medications and tuberculosis medicines in combination with warfarin. Vitamins E and K could also be problematic. Consult with the prescribing physician before making any changes in the regimen.
Coenzyme Q10 may counteract the benefits of warfarin. Anticoagulants such as Coumadin may pose a hazard when taken with the herb ginkgo biloba. An elderly woman on Coumadin had a hemorrhagic stroke after two months of ginkgo. If the extract of the herb hawthorn is taken together with Coumadin, careful monitoring of bleeding time (through PT and INR) is essential. The anticlotting action of the herb horse chestnut (aesculin) may interact with Coumadin to increase the risk of bleeding. This combination should be avoided.
It is possible that juniper berries may interact with Coumadin to increase the risk of bleeding. This possibility remains hypothetical. Licorice binds to serum albumin and may interact with Coumadin. The coumarins in licorice may also potentiate the action of Coumadin, possibly leading to unexpected bleeding. Despite research suggesting that ginseng might reduce platelet aggregation, the only reported interaction with Coumadin resulted in a decreased INR (international normalized ratio, a measure of blood clotting propensity). This suggests that ginseng might possibly counteract the benefit of warfarin. A red clover extract containing coumarin derivatives might in theory interact with the anticoagulant Coumadin. Close monitoring of prothrombin time or INR is advisable.
Psyllium can affect the absorption of Coumadin. To avoid this, psyllium should be taken at least an hour after Coumadin. In theory, garlic could increase the risk of bleeding in people taking anticoagulants such as Coumadin. The herb pau d'arco causes vitamin K-reversible bleeding, strongly suggesting that it would interact with Coumadin to increase the danger of hemorrhage. The anticoagulant activity of astragalus may interact with that of warfarin, increasing the risk of bleeding. This herb capsicum (cayenne) may have the potential to prolong clotting time, so people taking Coumadin should exercise caution before eating quantities of chili peppers. Cayenne also inhibits liver enzymes (CYP1A2) and thus could potentially slow the metabolism of warfarin.
In theory the coumarins in the herb chamomile might potentiate Coumadin's effect. Careful monitoring of bleeding time (through PT and INR) are recommended if chamomile is to be used together with Coumadin. One woman was hospitalized with internal bleeding after consuming chamomile tea regularly while taking Coumadin. (CMAJ, Apr. 25, 2006) Also in theory, the herb feverfew could increase the risk of bleeding in people taking Coumadin. Because ginger inhibits prostaglandin synthesis and reduces platelet aggregation, caution should be exercised in combining it with warfarin. The combination could result in unexpected bleeding. It is not known whether the coumarins in the herb dong quai might interact with Coumadin. To be safe, any woman taking both dong quai and Coumadin should discuss this situation with her doctor and should have bleeding time (PT and INR) checked frequently, especially when starting or stopping the herb. Goldenseal reportedly limits the effectiveness of the Coumadin. As a general rule, do not take any other medication or herbs without first checking with your physician and pharmacist.
Taking the Medicine Although the absorption of Coumadin may be slightly slowed by food, the medicine can be taken at meal time, especially if it upsets your stomach. There are, however, certain foods that may reduce the effectiveness of this drug. Because Vitamin K can counteract the action of warfarin, it is important to get approximately the same amount of this vitamin every day. Be careful not to overdo suddenly on foods that are rich in this nutrient. These include broccoli, cabbage, spinach, collard greens, kale, brussels sprouts and lettuce. This doesn't mean that you must avoid such healthy vegetables, but don't suddenly increase your intake without careful monitoring of prothrombin time. (For a more complete list, see our Guide to Coumadin Interactions.) The same warning would hold if you suddenly dropped one of these from your diet completely.
Special Precautions Anyone taking Coumadin must monitor his body carefully. Be alert for any early warning signs of bleeding. Symptoms to watch for include bruising or red spots under the skin, red or dark urine, red, black or tarry stools, nosebleeds, or bleeding around the gums after gentle tooth brushing. Internal hemorrhaging may manifest itself in a variety of ways, including pain in joints, chest, stomach or head. Shortness of breath, difficulty breathing or unexplained swelling could indicate bleeding. Alert your physician immediately if you notice any unusual symptoms or signs of spontaneous bleeding.
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Quinine has been prescribed by my Dr., and also thyroid. No one has ever told me this is not good for me and I am on warfarin.
I am scheduled to fly to Brazil from Miami. I have been on coumadin for many months. Is this dangerous? We will be visiting for six days at the headquarters but will be visiting remote mission stations for the last three days. We will only be in Brazil for ten days. My daughter is an MD and suggested I should think twice about going.
Turmeric increases the effect of coumadin. I have been on coumadin for 15 years because of an artificial aortic valve.
I read that turmeric was effective in lowering cholesterol. I began sprinkling it on broccoli. My INR went up dramatically. My Pharmacy PHD said "STOP."
Has anyone done any studies on the effect of turmeric? Could it replace coumadin?
Enjoy your program.
Thanks,
CCH
PEOPLE'S PHARMACY ANSWER:
You are not the first person to report this interaction between Coumadin (warfarin) and turmeric. This is a dangerous combination and others have reported a spike in their INR lab values (a measure of blood clotting time). Our fear is that this could lead to a serious bleeding episode!
In our opinion, turmeric (and its active component curcumin) should not be combined with Coumadin!
Is there a negative reaction between coumadin and cranberry juice? If so, what kind can I expect?
PEOPLE'S PHARMACY RESPONSE: UK AUTHORITIES HAVE REPORTED SEVERAL CASES OF BLEEDING PRECIPITATED BY CRANBERRY JUICE ADDED TO COUMADIN.
I'm just beginning to take coumadin. I have used psyllium husks for years since I take so many other medicines that tend to cause constipation. Can I keep taking it in the morning and take the coumadin at night?
Thank you for your article on cinnamon and coumadin. It was in Bflo. News about 2 yrs. ago -- I always have oatmeal for breakfast and add cinnamon. We went to Europe in 2006 and ate totally different foods for breakfast and had no cinnamon for a little over 2 weeks. Had a PT test when I came home and was told the result of the test was as if I wasn't taking coumadin at all. I showed your article to my doctor to see what he thought -- he said continue using cinnamon but use the same amount each day. Thank you so much -- your article was perfect timing. Until I read your article I had no idea that cinnamon was an anticoagulant!
I have experienced (multiple times) a blood thinning effect from Thai food containing cayenne peppers, turmeric and ginger. This seems to really cause a spike my PT/INR. The question I have is how much do the root plants such as garlic, wild leeks, certain onions effect warfarin/coumiden? I think I have noticed such an effect from wild leeks (ramps).
My mother is 87 years old and is on coumadin plus other medicines. She often says that she misses the food that she most enjoys: broccoli, cabbage, romaine lettuce, brussel sprouts, blueberries, cranberry juice, licorice, onions, chili, celery, pickles, margarine and sauerkraut. Since being given a change in her diet, she has increased eating food rich in sugar, meats, and fats, and now diagnosed with diabetes.
She wants to be medicine free and wonders if gradually there is any way that she can introduce any of the foods that increase blood thinning, while possibly decreasing her coumadin.
Is it okay to have 3-4 beers in the evening if taking coumadin? My husband takes 12mg. a day for a blood condition. He claims it is okay to drink a few beers a week and smoke one cigar a month. He is 62 years old. Has worked out at a gym for over 40 years, 3-4 times a week. He is in good health for his age except for this rare factor 5 laden blood disease which recently surfaced in his body.
Thank you.
PS I just discovered your site on NBC this morning. I will use it frequently. Lots of good information.
PEOPLE'S PHARMACY RESPONSE: A FEW BEERS A WEEK (2 OR 3) MIGHT BE OKAY. THREE OR FOUR MOST NIGHTS PROBABLY ARE NOT. ALCOHOL HAS AN IMPACT ON HOW THE BODY HANDLES COUMADIN.
I take coumadin and I was told not to eat guacamole, and that it would cause me to have a reaction. Is this true?
PEOPLE'S PHARMACY RESPONSE: AVOCADOS DON'T HAVE MUCH VITAMIN K, BUT THEY CAN INTERFERE WITH COUMADIN EFFECTIVENESS. (LANCET, 1991)
I have just completed prostate cancer treatment and am now impotent. I am taking Coumadin. Is it safe to take Viagara with Coumadin?
I've been taking Warfarin for about three weeks. I suffer from constant dry mouth and lips and a sore throat. I have very painful mouth sores on my tongue and lips. I called my doctor and he said mouth sores don't have anything to do with taking Warfarin. But I see information online that says I should contact my doctor if I'm experiencing them. Does anyone have any insight about this? Any suggestions to help alleviate the discomfort?
Been on coumadin (5 mg) for 2 years and was told, of course, to never take aspirin again. I have significant musculo-skeletal discomfort from arthritis, sciatica, etc. and miss the anti-inflammatory effect of aspirin. Is there a table or formula somewhere online that I could go to and figure out how to adjust the coumadin and get away with taking a 325 mg. aspirin a day and still come up with a therapeutic range PTT? My doctor said I could take a baby aspirin only. Thank you for any input!
PEOPLE'S PHARMACY RESPONSE: ASPIRIN AT PAIN-RELIEF DOSES IS TOO RISKY FOR YOU. INSTEAD, CONSIDER A HOME REMEDY THAT DOES NOT INTERFERE OR INTERACT WITH YOUR COUMADIN.
I am on Coumadin for Mechanical Mytral Valve for about two years. I had my Pacemaker replaced recently with ICD, that resulted in Hematoma at the surgery site of ICD. I was on pain killer for more than a month,that has caused constipation and Hemorrhoids and this is really very painful.
I am using Colace, which has proved very effective before as stool softener, but now it is effective as before. I wanted to know that if Psylium Husks and Prunes will interact with Coumadin.
Hi there, I am have aortic valve replacement with a mechanical valve next week and will be on warfarin... I would usually take homeopathic remedies leading up to and operation and then after especially ARNICA and Hyper/Cal... any advice please as to what i can take to air recovery?
thanks
PEOPLE'S PHARMACY RESPONSE: ARNICA MIGHT INTERACT WITH THE WARFARIN, THOUGH THIS IS STILL THEORETICAL. ZINC AND VITAMIN C CAN HELP TISSUE HEALING.
Have been on Warfrin for 6 years due to 2 separate pulmonary embuli events. I struggle with my diet as I am also diabetic. How does the drug metforman interact with the warfrin and what does long term use of Warfrin have on my body?
PEOPLE'S PHARMACY RESPONSE: WE COULD FIND NO EVIDENCE THAT METFORMIN AND WARFARIN INTERACT IN A DANGEROUS WAY.
Can I fly while on warfarin. Been on it for 2 months (12mg)?
thank you.
PEOPLE'S PHARMACY RESPONSE: DO CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR, BUT SINCE YOU HAVE BEEN ONE IT FOR A COUPLE MONTHS IT APPEARS TO BE SAFE.
I had 2 massive heart attacks in 5 days and I am on warafin, is there any natural remedy to replace this as far as you have heard ? ?
I have been taking coumadin for about 15 years and my INR stays right around 1.9 My daughter recently discussed the benefits of taking turmeric/curcumin supplements. Would this pose a risk to my Coumadin effectiveness?
PEOPLE'S PHARMACY RESPONSE: IT MIGHT. WE HAVE HEARD FROM SEVERAL PEOPLE THAT TURMERIC WITH COUMADIN CAN RAISE INR TO DANGEROUS LEVELS. IT WOULD BE BETTER NOT TO TAKE THE TURMERIC.
I will be flying to Hawaii in December 2010. I have been on Warfarin for about 7 years. Should I be concerned about altitude or sitting for a prolonged time now that I take the medication?
PEOPLE'S PHARMACY RESPONSE: WARFARIN IS SUPPOSED TO PROTECT YOU FROM CLOTS.
I have been taking coumadin for 5 weeks and have been experiencing terrible mouth sores and pain throughout. I have been treated for this but unsuccessfully. Spoke with a friend of mine (also on coumadin), she is experiencing the same thing. Can this be a coincidence?
If you are taking coumadin, can you smoke cigars?
Since smoking narrows your capillaries and even though you may not inhale, I would say smoking can be a risk factor.
I take coumadin daily since a serious pulmonary embolism 2 years ago. Is the drug praxada been approved for use in the USA and if so is it indicated for prevention of PE of unknown etiology?
Mom is 85. Had a stroke 6 years ago. Has seriously low bp - 80/50. Takes 2.5mg coumadin and INR was fine for last 5+ years until now. She was significantly dehydrated, doctor said to increase fluid intake as it might increase bp We did (gatorade & vitamin water) and now her INR is 8 and her bp hasn't been rechecked. She is to stop coumadin for three days then continue for the next four. She takes a good multivitamin, levothyroxine, digoxin, celexa, seroqouel XR 150 and simvastatin. She sleeps all the time and has no appetite. Would Vitamin K help? Would other supplements be beneficial? Thank you for your advice.
PEOPLE'S PHARMACY RESPONSE: SOMEONE LIKE YOUR MOTHER ON COUMADIN SHOULD TAKE VITAMIN K ONLY UNDER MEDICAL SUPERVISION.
My husband is taking coumadin for heart flutters he has had since a by-pass.
I have been reading about the heart advantages of hawthorn. I can't find
anything about it reacting with coumadin. but still wonder. Would appreciate
your advice. Also cod liver oil.
I knew lady who had been on Coumadin, she ended up having a cerebral stroke then was taken off Coumadin then put on Plavix. During the time she was on Coumadin and right afterwards she was just mean, picking fights with anyone who crossed her path, she eventually ended up with dementia. I have a friend on Coumadin (wafarin) now and seems to be heading in the same direction. She is unhappy, picks fights with her family who are trying to help. I am afraid she is heading for dementia also. Could Coumadian be the cause or has this been studied? I very concerned. I do not know what other medications she takes.
I'm taking warfarin and my inr have been on good level. Lately I have a red itchy spot in my lower leg, I was wondering could it be a blood vessel? Please help I made an appointment for my doctor.
I was on coumadin for about a year. I had a bad fall and bled profusely with bruises which lasted for about a month. I quit the coumadin.
Am I doing myself harm? I am taking an aspirin a day. sb
PEOPLE'S PHARMACY RESPONSE: COUMADIN IS USUALLY PRESCRIBED TO PREVENT STROKES AND OTHER SERIOUS EVENTS. WHILE THE DOSE MAY NEED TO BE ADJUSTED, IT IS VERY RISKY TO JUST QUIT COUMADIN (WARFARIN) WITHOUT TALKING THIS OVER WITH THE DOCTOR WHO PRESCRIBED IT. HE OR SHE IS BEST EQUIPPED TO DECIDE IF YOU NO LONGER NEED IT.
I had a heart valve replacement about 2 years ago and was put on Coumadin. Since the surgery my knee has swollen up several times and been drained of bloody fluid which the doctors believe is being caused by the coumadin. Have there been any others that have had this problem and is there a solution for it? Also would any of the new drugs they're testing help with this bleeding problem?
I take warfarin because I had a DVT and Pulmonary Embolism after surgery. I also take a multitude of other meds which the Dr. prescribes for me. I worry about interactions with my thyroid med and fish oil which he tells me to take. My PT/INR is checked monthly or more often if needed. Should I be concerned since I have been treated since June 2004 which is nearly 7 years. I take nothing over the counter unless the Dr. tells me it is OK. I have a friend who uses a spoonful of yellow mustard a day for leg cramps. She is on warfarin, too, and her levels have been elevated. We wondered if the turmeric in the mustard could cause this, Thank you for your answers.
PEOPLE'S PHARMACY RESPONSE: WE ADVISE AGAINST USING TURMERIC IF A PERSON IS ON WARFARIN. SEVERAL PEOPLE HAVE REPORTED ELEVATED INR.
I wrote questions on warfarin. I forgot to check the notify me when posted box. I am just adding that I wanted to be notified.
Since having a mitral valve replacement 32 years ago I have been on coumadin. Five years ago I had an estrogen, progesterone, Her2 positive breast cancer. Since the cancer, I eat a diet heavy with green vegetables, and use turmeric, ginger, cinnamon and chia seeds (about 1/8 of a teaspoon each on my foods.) I drink 2-3 cups of green tea and a bowl of steel cut oatmeal a day. I own my machine and test my INR 3 times a week and keep my INR in range. What should I know about the interactions of these natural foods and spices with Coumadin and breast cancer risk? Thank you.
PEOPLE'S PHARMACY RESPONSE: THE RESEARCH THAT HAS BEEN DONE ON TURMERIC AND ITS ACTIVE CONSTITUENT CURCUMIN IN BREAST CANCER IS ALL BASIC RESEARCH, MOSTLY IN TEST TUBES. IT LOOKS QUITE PROMISING, BUT IT IS ALL STILL VERY PRELIMINARY AND WE DID NOT FIND CLINICAL TRIALS.
FOR YOUR OWN N OF 1 TRIAL, WE RECOMMEND YOU CONTINUE TO MONITOR YOUR INR CAREFULLY. WE HAVE HEARD FROM SEVERAL PEOPLE WHO FOUND THAT TURMERIC COULD POTENTIATE THE ACTIVITY OF COUMADIN AND RAISE THE INR OUT OF THERAPEUTIC RANGE. IN THEORY, (NO EMPIRICAL DATA) GINGER COULD DO SOMETHING SIMILAR. IF YOU ARE KEEPING YOUR INTAKE STEADY AND MONITORING YOUR INR, THOUGH, THIS SEEMS A REASONABLE EXPERIMENT.
DO KEEP IN MIND THAT GREEN TEA IS RICH IN VITAMIN K AND COULD REVERSE THE BENEFITS OF COUMADIN. THIS INTAKE ALSO SHOULD BE STABLE FROM ONE DAY TO ANOTHER.
Will red peppers hurt me if I take 5 mg of coumadin a day? My coumadin has been high 5 or so. I should have 2.5.
PEOPLE'S PHARMACY RESPONSE: RED PEPPERS CAN INTERACT WITH COUMADIN. HERE'S THE MECHANISM: CAPSAICIN IN HOT PEPPERS INHIBITS CYP1A2, AN ENZYME THAT METABOLIZES R-WARFARIN, ONE OF THE VARIETIES OF WARFARIN IN COUMADIN. INHIBITED ENZYMES MEAN HIGHER BLOOD LEVELS AND HIGHER INR.
I have been on coumadin for 30 years (I am 50 with activated protein c deficiency) and in the last several years have been having a lot of trouble with the sun. My body ends up with "sun bumps" but only where the sun has actually touched. They itch horribly and almost like very tiny blisters. Someone I know, also on coumadin, told me it could be the med. Is this true? It would really explain everything.
PEOPLE'S PHARMACY RESPONSE: WARFARIN (COUMADIN) CAN CAUSE SEVERAL DIFFERENT TYPES OF SKIN REACTIONS. PLEASE ASK YOUR DOCTOR ABOUT THIS, SINCE PROTEIN C DEFICIENCY COULD PUT YOU AT HIGHER RISK.
I am a nurse who works with patients on Coumadin. We have a patient who recently switched the timing of his Coumadin dose. He used to take it at bedtime and now he is taking it around supper time. His last INR went up dramatically.
He denies any dietary changes (eats a consistent quantity of green vegetables daily) except that he might be drinking more water than previously. Could taking Coumadin with food increase his absorption of Coumadin or in some way potientiate it's effect? Or could drinking more water make a difference?
I am a female 43 yrs old. I had a stroke in November 2010. I have a blocked carotid artery. Under doctor's care, I had been taking 5 mgs of Warfarin and having my pt/inr tested every two weeks. I started seeing a different doctor in March. She directed me to up the dosage to 9mgs and did not test my blood until the middle of April. It takes one day for the results to be returned. That Thursday, the doctor's office called me and told me to go directly to the Emergency Room because my pt/inr levels were 6.2.
The physician at the ER gave me a dose of Vitamin K and a dose of potassium and told me to stop taking the Warfarin over the next 4 days and followup with my doctor on Monday. My doctor didn't even schedule a followup appointment when I asked. There was a pt/inr test done at their lab, and the results came back Tuesday, and my doctor, once again directed me to start taking 9 mgs again, and will have another test done in two weeks.
The first time my pt/inr was elevated I developed hemorrhoids and I am starting to get them again. Are the hemorrhoids caused by the Warfarin? I feel like I am being over-medicated again!
Any input is desired.
Thank you
PEOPLE'S PHARMACY RESPONSE: IT'S CLEAR THAT YOU NEED MONITORING MORE CLOSELY THAN YOUR NEW DOCTOR IMAGINED. YOU WILL NEED TO NEGOTIATE THAT WITH HER. IF SHE DOESN'T SEE THE NEED AFTER THIS, YOU'LL NEED TO FIND A DOCTOR WHO CAN PARTNER WITH YOU BETTER.
I have been taking Warfarin for 10 years and have recently awakened at night and see the white night light in red color. What could this mean if anything? Is this a common experience? Thank you
PEOPLE'S PHARMACY RESPONSE: PLEASE ASK YOUR DOCTOR ABOUT THIS. WE ARE NOT FAMILIAR WITH THIS SYMPTOM AND DON'T KNOW IF IT IS WORRISOME.
Last year I had PE that sent 10 blood clots to my lungs (yes Jesus is good I'm still here!). I'm 42 and want to do the Lemonade Diet "Master Cleanse", can I do that? I'm on 7mg of Coumadin a day.
My husband is taking Coumadin 5 mg daily, and wants to take Vitamin E. Is there any contraindication to including Vit E in his medication regimen? Thanks
PEOPLE'S PHARMACY RESPONSE: VITAMIN E IS USUALLY ON THE FORBIDDEN LIST, WITH THE EXPECTATION THAT IT MIGHT INCREASE THE RISK OF BLEEDING. IT IS NOT ENTIRELY CLEAR HOW STRONG THAT INTERACTION POTENTIAL MIGHT BE. HERE IS ONE STUDY: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19401475
WE RECOMMEND THAT HE DISCUSS THIS WITH HIS ANTICOAGULATION TEAM.
if taking coumadin do not take glucosamine condroiten for arthritis it interferes with the coumadin.
I am taking warfarin. I wear knee shorts in the summer. My legs have a rash on them, I was in the sun two hours. . Is the sun bad for your skin if you are on Warfarin?
PEOPLE'S PHARMACY RESPONSE: RASH AND DERMATITIS ARE POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS OF WARFARIN, BUT WE COULD FIND NO EVIDENCE THAT IT INCREASES SUN SENSITIVITY. PLEASE BRING THE RASH TO YOUR DOCTOR'S ATTENTION.
I am flying Thursday 14th. I am on warfarin which gave me a stroke when I first went on it, my question is, can I take sudafed decongestant when flying out and flying back again as I suffer terrible pain in my ears, despite trying swallowing, blowing my nose etc...
I have the same issue.. what did you learn?
I have recently been diagnosed with Osteoarthritis in my left knee, my Primary says there is nothing she can give me because of the Warfarin & blood pressure meds I'm taking, I asked what can I take for the pain & swelling, she replied "nothing... use a heating pad & walk" no seems to be her response to everything.
Can I take something like Osteo Bi Flex? I don't like taking Acetaminophen, it doesn't do much for the pain. I do keep active & I walk 20 blocks 3 to 4 days a week. What would you suggest I do to help with the pain & swelling? I have an upcoming appt. with my Cardiologist & like to go informed, he does give me much more wiggle room than my Primary. Any help you give will be greatly appreciated. Thank You!
PEOPLE'S PHARMACY RESPONSE: YOUR PCP IS RIGHT THAT WARFARIN DOESN'T PLAY WELL WITH NSAIDS LIKE IBUPROFEN, NAPROXEN, DICLOFENAC, ETC. YOU MIGHT CONSIDER SOME HOME REMEDIES.
I just started taking warfarin 4 weeks ago. I am extremely tired all the time, some times have to stop and nap. Anyone else have this problem.
What about the new drugs? do they have all the problems as warfarin?
Thanks
PEOPLE'S PHARMACY RESPONSE: COUMADIN DOES SOMETIMES, BUT "INFREQUENTLY," CAUSE: fatigue, lethargy, malaise, asthenia. BASICALLY, TIRED ALL THE TIME. SO YOU ARE NOT ALONE.
THE NEW DRUGS HAVE THEIR OWN SETS OF SIDE EFFECTS, BUT ALL ANTI-COAGULANTS CAN CAUSE EXCESSIVE BLEEDING.
I take Coumadin 2mg on Tues, Thurs, Sat and Sunday... I also take D3, Fish oil, Vitamin c. I have taken Arnica Montana when needed b/c it relieves my aches. Would any of these cause a elevated PT/INR?
PEOPLE'S PHARMACY RESPONSE: IT IS POSSIBLE THAT FISH OIL COULD POSE A PROBLEM. WE DON'T THINK IT IS A GOOD IDEA TO TAKE ARNICA MONTANA BY MOUTH; SMEAR IT ON TOPICALLY INSTEAD.
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT INTERACTIONS WITH WARFARIN OR OTHER DRUGS, VISIT MEDIGUARD.ORG.
I found out on my birthday this year, that I should have been on coumadin for only six months instead of 10 years. I don't have a life anymore, too many side effects, can hardly walk. Lost a lot of hair, gained a lot of weight, I hurt from top to toe. My stomach is messed up, had blood blisters hanging out of my eye. Severe itching, bruising, dry mouth, nausea and the list goes on. I mentioned all the problems I had to many doctors and finally one listened. He acknowledged that the blood clots only formed during/after a surgery. 10 wasted years, ask me if I am depressed now..... I am furious!
My heart went into a-fib after knee replacement. I was prescribed amiodarone hcl 200 mg and coumadin. I am now in sinus rhythm. I have hypothyroid, and am diabetic ii. Please inform me as to the safety of these medications and what other drugs they react to.
PE about 5 yrs ago from 2nd urinary surgery. Saw palmetto extract 320mg, 15yrs seems to curb the BPH. Am on warfarin, but having urinary problems at night (5-6 times). Urethra seems restricted at night and I've been impotent for about 15 years. I'd like to try progesterone transdermally (20mg) to ease the urinary problems, but am concerned it will increase the clotting time. I'm talking to my physician Monday to see what he has to say.
Which herbal supplements should be avoided when taking warfarin? Specifically, are any of the following harmful-- Niacin, saw palmetto, maca, L-Arginine, horny goat weed, vitamin B complex?
Have been on warfin for about 1 month and am now having pain in my back and
down in my foot. Could this be a connection to the warfin?
I'm trying to find out if Hawthorn Berry is ok to take with with coumadin? I take coumadin for a blood clot I had years ago. Can you have hair loss from taking coumadin?
I didn't know this could be a side effect, until I read some of the earlier comments.
I went into hospital A&E dept a few months ago with a pain in my leg, which they suspected as being a clot as I had just flown back from a holiday days earlier, I was admitted and for six days pumped full of double doses of coudamin injections in my stomach daily.... I was found to not have a blood clot after all and left hospital, but since the injections stopped the breathing difficulties have started, I have not felt right since, have been having checks done for all sorts... but so far all seems to come back as ok, I on the other hand still find breathing is difficult and chest and back pain still going on.... I was ok before these injections only had a pain in the leg which incidentally has gone now.... all web sites tell you to seek help if you have breathing difficulties after taking this drug, but my doctor doesn't seem to believe it would cause me problems, and what could be done for me, I need to know what damage or reaction and cure is there for me now.... who do I go to for help?
Hi....now that you are off coumadin did your side effects disappear and how long did it take? I was on this stuff for 18 months and now 6 months later still feel awful.
Thanks
I am on 10mg of Coumadin daily and will soon be spending 6 weeks in South America, some of it at altitude.
Internet blogs, based on just one research study that I am aware of, suggest that altitude decreases the INR levels. Unfortunately GP's that I have visited are not "up to speed" on this issue so I have a few questions:-
(1) Is there any more detail on what percentage the INR drop at altitude?
(2) Can one buy a portable INR tester that uses a similar principle to the one available to diabetics?
(3) What strategies could be used to minimise the risk (assuming not going is out of the question)?
(4) Assuming that I found a doctor in South America who could do an INR test, would I need a referral from my GP (in Australia)?
Thanks in advance for any advice that you can provide.
I have been on Warfarin since Sept of 2007. I don't know what kind of blood disorder I have. The amount of Warfarin I've been on has changed so much. I went from 5mg to 17mg and now currently on 10mg. I do have trouble with headaches, gum bleeding, and feel real tired. Is there another type of blood thinner that has less side affects? I did have 2 surgeries to remove 2 blood clots in my left leg in 2007.
My cousin takes many medications and has been diagnosed with blood clots in the lungs, pain, knee,cholesterol (high), low thyroid, high blood pressure, asthma, incontinence, calcium deficiency, anxiety, depression and takes the following: Warfarin, Vitamin D, Hydrocodone, Altrazolam, Alendronate Sodium, Anastrozole, Levothyroxine Synthroid, Venlafaxine, Atenolol, Tricor, Lisinopril, Gemfibrozil, Pravastatin Sodium, Ventolin HFA, Sanctura XR.
Her biggest problem comes from the incontinence which started when she was diagnosed with the blood clots in the lungs. Nothing has helped. Could any of her drugs be reacting together to cause incontinence? Any suggestions?