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Coumadin Warnings and Precautions
There is a lot of information that you should be aware of before starting Coumadin. Warnings and precautions include watching out for potential drug interactions, following certain dietary guidelines during treatment, and avoiding this medication if you are pregnant or may become pregnant. It is important to talk to your healthcare provider before taking Coumadin if you have liver disease, diabetes, or high blood pressure.
What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider Before Taking Coumadin?
You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking Coumadin® (warfarin sodium) if you have:
- A bleeding disorder
- Intestinal or stomach ulcers or bleeding
- Bleeding in the brain
- An aneurysm
- Inflammation of the sac the surrounds the heart (the pericardium)
- A bacterial infection of the endocardium (the inner layer of the heart)
- A condition (such as a mental illness) that limits the ability to follow instructions carefully
- Had a negative reaction to heparin
- Liver disease, such as liver failure, cirrhosis, or hepatitis
- Kidney disease, such as kidney failure
- High blood pressure
- A clotting disorder known as protein C deficiency
- Polycythemia vera (a condition involving excess red blood cells)
- Vasculitis (a blood vessel disorder)
- Diabetes
- An indwelling bladder catheter
- Any allergies, including allergies to food, dyes, or preservatives.
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you:
- Will be having surgery or spinal anesthesia or puncture (such as a spinal tap)
- Are pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant
- Are breastfeeding.
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about any other medications you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD