About Coumadin - Southern New Hampshire Health

Coumadin® is a blood thinner (anticoagulant) that is prescribed if you are at increased risk for developing harmful blood clots. It may also be used to prevent an existing clot from growing larger. You may be prescribed Coumadin® if you have a mechanical heart valve, an irregular heart rhythm (atrial fibrillation), have certain clotting disorders, or have had a stroke, heart attack or a clot in the leg (deep venous thrombosis or DVT).

Coumadin® tips and reminders:

Take your Coumadin® at exactly the same time each day. Your provider has probably recommended that you take it before bedtime.
Use your pillbox to help prevent missed doses.
If you miss a dose, call the anticoagulation management nurse for instructions.
Tell all your health care providers, dentists and pharmacists that you are taking Coumadin®.
Watch for signs of bleeding or clotting and report them immediately.
It is best if you limit alcohol to one to two drinks per day. Keep your alcohol intake consistent.
Keep your scheduled blood test appointments. If for any reason you need to reschedule, call the anticoagulation management nurse.
Please call the clinic to obtain renewals of prescriptions for Coumadin® before you run out.
Try to keep your dietary intake of vitamin K consistent.

Notify the anticoagulation nurse if you:

Have any changes in your medication, vitamins, or supplements
Are admitted to an outside hospital
Miss a dose of Coumadin®
Stop taking Coumadin® for any reason (surgery/procedure)
Notice any unusual bleeding/bruising
Are pregnant

Call the anticoagulation team at (603) 577-2396 whenever you have a question or need help.