Coumadin
® (
warfarin sodium) is a prescription anticoagulant, often described as a "blood thinner" (although it does not actually thin the blood). It is used to prevent and treat blood clots due to various causes.
It is important to understand that Coumadin does not "dissolve" or break down blood clots (only special "clot buster" medications that must be given in the hospital can do this). Rather, it prevents them from forming. When used to treat a blood clot, this medication keeps the clot formation in check, allowing the body's natural processes to break down the clot.
Before you start treatment with Coumadin, information on how to safely use this medication should be discussed with your healthcare provider. Although Coumadin can be a life-saving drug, it can also cause life-threatening side effects. Taking too little increases your risk for blood clots and
strokes, and taking too much increases your risk for dangerous internal bleeding.
(Click Coumadin for more information, including details on how Coumadin works, what side effects may occur, and when and how to take the drug.)
