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Coumadin

Arrhythmia »

Introduction to Arrhythmia

An irregular heartbeat is an arrhythmia (also called dysrhythmia). Heart rates can also be irregular. A normal heart rate is 50 to 100 beats per minute. Arrhythmias and abnormal heart rates don't necessarily occur together. Arrhythmias can occur with a normal heart rate, or with heart rates that are slow (called bradyarrhythmias -- less than 50 beats per minute). Arrhythmias can also occur with rapid heart rates (called tachyarrhythmias -- faster than 100 beats per minute). In the United States, more than 850,000 people are hospitalized for an arrhythmia each year.

What causes an arrhythmia?

Arrhythmias may be caused by many different factors, including:

  • Coronary artery disease.
  • Electrolyte imbalances in your blood (such as sodium or potassium).
  • Changes in your heart muscle.
  • Injury from a heart attack.
  • Healing process after heart surgery.
  • Irregula...

Read the Arrhythmia article »

Coumadin

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Coumadin Patient Information including How Should I Take

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking warfarin (Coumadin)?

Do not take this medicine if you have:

  • a bleeding disorder such as hemophilia;
  • a blood cell disorder such as anemia;
  • a stomach ulcer or bleeding in the stomach;
  • a history of aneurysm, blood clot, or bleeding in your brain; or
  • an infection of your heart, fluid or swelling around your heart.

FDA pregnancy category X. This medication can cause miscarriage, stillbirth, birth defects, or fatal bleeding in an unborn baby. Do not use warfarin if you are pregnant. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant during treatment. Use an effective form of birth control while you are using this medication.

Before taking warfarin, tell your doctor if you have:

  • kidney disease;
  • liver disease;
  • celiac sprue (an intestinal disorder);
  • a recent injury, surgery, or medical emergency;
  • high blood pressure;
  • severe or uncontrolled diabetes;
  • polycythemia vera;
  • congestive heart failure;
  • cancer;
  • overactive thyroid;
  • a seizure disorder for which you take an anticonvulsant such as phenytoin (Dilantin) or phenobarbital (Luminal); or
  • a connective tissue disorder such as Marfan Syndrome, Sjogren syndrome, scleroderma, rheumatoid arthritis, or lupus.

If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use warfarin, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.

Warfarin may pass into breast milk and cause bleeding problems in the nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Older adults and people who are severely ill or debilitated may have a greater risk of bleeding while taking warfarin. Talk with your doctor about your individual risk.

Warfarin should not be given to anyone younger than 18 years old.

Tell your doctor (or dentist) that you are taking warfarin before you take an antibiotic or before having surgery.

How should I take warfarin (Coumadin)?

Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results from this medication. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Take each dose with a full glass of water. Take warfarin at the same time every day. Warfarin can be taken with or without food.

Your body's response to warfarin can be affected by your diet, environment, physical well-being, and other medicines or herbal (botanical) products you use.

Avoid dieting to lose weight while taking warfarin. Tell your doctor if your body weight changes for any reason.

It is important to take warfarin regularly to get the most benefit. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.

To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.

If you need to have a lumbar puncture (spinal tap) or any type of dental work or surgery, you may need to temporarily stop using warfarin. Be sure your doctors know ahead of time that you are using this medication.

Carry an ID card or wear a medical alert bracelet stating that you are taking warfarin, in case of emergency. Any doctor, dentist, or emergency medical care provider who treats you should know that you are taking warfarin.

Store this medication at room temperature away from heat, moisture, and light.

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Coumadin - User Reviews

Coumadin User Reviews

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Here is a collection of user reviews for the medication Coumadin sorted by most helpful. Patient Discussions FAQs

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