Coumadin (generic name: warfarin sodium; brand names include: Warf / Jantoven / Marevan / Waran) is an anticoagulant that helps prevent blood clots from forming or growing larger in your blood and blood vessels.

Coumadin stops clots from forming or getting bigger, and lets the body naturally dissolve the clots.

Coumadin is used to help prevent and treat blood clots in the legs, lungs, and those clots associated with heart-valve replacement or an irregular, rapid heartbeat called atrial fibrillation.

If you have had a heart attack, Coumadin may be used to lower the risk of death, another heart attack, stroke, and blood clots moving to other parts of the body.

Recommendations

Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take Coumadin exactly as directed.

Take Coumadin tablets by mouth. Coumadin is usually taken once a day. Swallow the tablets with a drink of water. Take your dose at the same time each day. Record your daily dose on a calendar when you take it. Do not take Coumadin more often than directed.

Continue to take Coumadin even if you feel well. Do not stop taking Coumadin without talking to your doctor.

Eat a normal balanced diet. Do not make changes in your diet without first talking to your healthcare provider.

Avoid alcohol consumption, cranberry juice, and cranberry products while taking Coumadin.

If you miss a dose of Coumadin, take the dose as soon as possible on the same day; but if it is the next day already, then skip the missed dose and continue with your usual daily dose. Do not take a double dose of Coumadin the next day.

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

Precautions

Before taking Coumadin, tell your doctor if:

you are allergic to any medicines;
you have had recent surgery, or are due for surgery in the near future;
you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

Ingredients

Active ingredient: warfarin.