Coumadin Oral
In Depth
- Uses and How to Use
- Dosage and Storage
- Precautions and Side Effects
- Drug Interactions
- Drug Images
Pronounced: (WARF-uh-rin)
Coumadin Oral Uses
This medication is used to treat blood clots and/or to prevent new clots from forming in your body. Preventing harmful blood clots helps to reduce the risk of a stroke or heart attack. Conditions that increase your risk of developing blood clots include a certain type of irregular heart rhythm (atrial fibrillation), heart valve replacement, and recent heart attack.
Warfarin is commonly called a "blood thinner," but its more correct term is anticoagulant. It helps to keep blood flowing smoothly in your body by decreasing the amount of certain substances (clotting proteins) in your blood.
How To Use Coumadin Oral
Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start taking warfarin and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Take this medication by mouth with or without food, usually once a day or as directed by your doctor or other healthcare professional. It is very important to take it exactly as prescribed. Do not increase the dose, take it more frequently, or stop using it unless directed by your doctor.
Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day.
Some foods can affect how warfarin works in your blood and may affect your treatment and dose. Cranberry juice or other cranberry products might affect how your warfarin works. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist for more details. (See also Drug Interactions section for other food interactions.)
Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Your doctor or other healthcare provider will monitor you closely while you are taking this medication. Therefore, laboratory tests will be performed periodically.
