Coumadin Information

Coumadin is a drug used to reduce the chance of a blot clot forming after a total hip procedure. Deep Vein Thrombosis is a likley occurance after total hip surgery. Talk to your doctor about prevenative measures against Deep Vein Thrombosis.

1. What is Coumadin?

Coumadin is an anticogulant drug. "Anti" means against and "coagulation" refers to blood clotting. Therefore, Coumadin helps prevent clots from forming in the blood. It works by partially blocking the re-use of Vitamin K in the liver. We usually depend on Vitamin K to help the blood clots and prevent bleeding. However, after surgery, Coumadin is used very carefully to "thin" the blood. Patients should use special precautions when shaving. Electric shavers recommended.

2. What do I need to know when taking Coumadin?

Coumadin may cause side effects, the most common is bleeding, which is why your physician will carefully monitor your dosage. Other possible side effects could be rash, headache, dizziness or weakness, severe bruising, nausea, discolored urine or stool, unusal pain or swelling, and loss of appetite. IF ANY OF THESE SYMPTOMS OCCUR, PLEASE CALL YOUR DOCTOR.

3. How will I know how much Coumadin to take?

Your physician will be following your Coumadin dosage very carefully by having your blood tested regularly. The test result will be called to the office. The office nurse will notify the skilled nursing facility or the home health nurse of your dose and when the next blood test is to be done. If you have had your blood drawn directly at an outpatient lab, the office nurse will call you directly.

4. How will I know when to take Coumadin when at home?

It is very important to take your Coumadin at the same time each day at bedtime. If you forget to take a dose, do not double the next dose. Please call the doctor's office to report the missed dose. If you have not heard from a nurse on the day of your blood test about your Coumadin dosage, please call the office at 847-998-5680 and ask to speak to the lab nurse. If your call is after 5 p.m., ask the answering service to page the nurse on call. DO NOT TAKE COUMADIN UNTIL YOU HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED OF THE CORRECT DOSE.

5. What should I avoid while taking Coumadin?

While you are on Coumadin, you are restricted from eating foods that are high in Vitamin K. Alcoholic beverages should be avoided, however, other fluids should be increased. Unless otherwise indicated, do not take aspirin or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications.