Letters (Week of May 16, 2007)

More information about Coumadin

 

I would like to add some information to the article in last week?s paper (?Healthy Hills?boro?) regarding food precautions when taking Couma?din.

It is important to know that Warfarin is the generic name for Coumadin, so if two prescriptions are listed with only one of the names, do not take both at the same time, which would be doubling the dose.

It is very important to follow up with your doctor regularly and get the blood tests to decide what dose you need; this may change at times.

Do not change your dose unless your doctor tells you to do so. Take the medicine at the same time every day and do not take a double dose if you miss one. Let your doctor know if you miss doses. Tell other health health-care personnel?i.e., specialists and dentists?that you are Couma?din and the current dose, especially before procedures are done.

There are other drugs which thin blood and others that increase circulation that may be prescribed if another doctor is unaware of what you take.

It is best to get all your medicines from the same pharmacy so they will be aware if any interactions occur and alert your doctor. Carry a card in your wallet naming the drug, or wear a medic-alert bracelet in case of emergencies.

Tell the doctor all the medicine you take, including vitamins and over-the-counter drugs like herbals, and the doses. Do not take aspirin containing medicines or NSAIDS (i.e., Ibuprofen, Motrin, Nuprin, Aleve), do not take any pain medicines without consulting your doctor. If you have any questions, you should ask your doctor or your pharmacist.

Margaret Tice

Marion

 

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