What is Coumadin?
Coumadin (warfarin) is used a blood thinner or anticoagulant. It is generally prescribed to prevent or treat a blood clot in the lungs, treat blood clots associated with certain heart conditions or replacement of a heart valve and to reduce the risk of another heart attack. Coumadin is sold under other brand names such as Jantoven, Marevan and Waran.
Coumadin was originally used as a pesticide for mice and rats and is still utilized for this purpose. It was developed in the 1950's and remains the most popular anticoagulant drug in North America. Warfarin is a derivative of a chemical called coumarin that is found in plants. Warfarin works by inhibiting vitamin K epoxide reductase. Thus, this class of drugs is called vitamin K antagonists.
Potential for Abuse?
No information available.
Coumadin Side Effects
There are several side effects associated with Coumadin, including hemorrhage, warfarin necrosis, osteoporosis and purple toe syndrome. Some other Coumadin side effects include
Serious Coumadin side effects:
- skin changes or discoloration of skin
- purple fingers or toes
- pain in stomach, back or sides
- swelling of your ankles or feet
- low fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, jaundice
- diarrhea, fever, chills, body aches or flu symptoms
- easy bruising
- bleeding that will not stop
- blood in urine
- black, bloody or tarry stools
- bleeding gum, coughing up blood or nosebleeds
- feeling weak or light headed
- confusion, vision, speech or balance problems
- sudden headache
- sudden leg or foot pain
- sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body
Less serious Coumadin side effects:
- hair loss
- nausea, vomiting, stomach pain
- gas and bloating
This is not a complete list of Coumadin side effects. Consult your doctor for a full list.
Interesting Coumadin Tidbits
Here are some interesting tidbits on Coumadin
- A famous person to receive warfarin was the US president Dwight Eisenhower after a heart attack in 1955.
- There are rumors warfarin was used to poison Joseph Stalin.
- Warfarin is known to interact with many other drugs and certain foods. Close monitoring is required.
Share your Coumadin experience
Male /
27
02/20/2012
Rating: 5
Time Taken: 3 Years
brusing, and and feeling lightheaded with upset stomach often
cant do many of the things i used to do i can like sports due to bruising and just feeling ill. and it makes it hard to drink booze. rely changed my life
Female /
62
01/23/2011
Rating: 2
Time Taken: 25 Years
bleeding thru urine, stool, bruising
My INR has never been regulated. Bleeding has caused issues with outpatient surgeries. Constant worrying...got to have mechanical valve replaced and thinking of using a tissue valve just to get off coumadin. Tough decision to make
Male /
74
07/02/2010
Rating: 3
Time Taken: 5 Years
bruised and bleeding skin
Without much force, just a bump, my skin will swell-up and turn purple where I bumped it.
Another bump at the same spot may cause a skin abrasion and bleeding.
Male /
74
07/02/2010
Rating: 1
Time Taken: 5 Years
bruised and bleeding skin
Without much force, just a bump, my skin will swell-up and turn purple where I bumped it.
Another bump at the same spot may cause a skin abrasion and bleeding.
Female /
74
06/26/2010
Rating: 5
Time Taken: 4 Months
I have not decided what and if the Coumadon is the problem. I an going thru all kinds of tests.
I did find there are 3 meds that dissolve clots, have been using them since 1960. I have clots in my lungs and in my right leg.
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The coumadinsideeffects.net website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your physician.