Product Details: Coumadin (Warfarin)

Brand Name Options - Manufacturer: Bristol-Myers Squibb

Generic Options

What are Generics? A generic drug is a copy of the brand-name drug with the same dosage, safety, strength, quality, how it is taken, performance, and intended use. Before generics become available on the market, the generic company must prove it has the same active ingredients as the brand-name and works the same way in the body in the same amount of time.

The only differences between generics and their brand-name counterparts is the generics are less expensive and may look slightly different (e.g. different shape or color), as trademark laws prevent a generic from looking exactly like the brand-name drug.

Generics are less expensive because generic manufacturers don't have to invest large sums of money to invent a drug. When the brand-name patent expires, generic companies can manufacture a copy of the brand-name drug and sell it at substantial discounts.

Description

This medicine is an anticoagulant used to treat or prevent harmful blood clots that may occur in the veins (venous thrombosis) or lungs (pulmonary embolism), or with a type of abnormal heartbeat (such as atrial fibrillation), or following a heart valve replacement. This medicine is also used to reduce the risk of stroke and other problems in patients who have had a heart attack. It may also be used to treat or prevent other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Directions

Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. This medicine comes with a Medication Guide. Read it carefully. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist any questions that you may have about this medicine. This medicine may be taken by mouth on an empty stomach or with food. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature in a tightly-closed container, away from heat and light. It is very important to take this medicine on a regular schedule as prescribed by your doctor. Take this medicine at the same time each day. CONTINUE TO TAKE THIS MEDICINE as directed by your doctor even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses unless directed to do so by your doctor. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, contact your doctor right away. Take the missed dose as soon as possible if you remember on the same day. If you do not remember until the next day, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. DO NOT take 2 doses at once.

Cautions

DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE if you have had an allergic reaction to it or are allergic to any ingredient in this product. DO NOT EXCEED THE RECOMMENDED DOSE or use for longer than prescribed without checking with your doctor. DO NOT STOP USING THIS MEDICINE without first checking with your doctor. Certain blood clotting tests (eg, PT, INR) will be performed regularly while you take this medicine. Keep all doctor and lab appointments. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR RIGHT AWAY if you notice any unusual bleeding or bruising. BEFORE YOU HAVE ANY MEDICAL OR DENTAL TREATMENTS, EMERGENCY CARE, OR SURGERY, tell the doctor or dentist that you are using this medicine. THIS MEDICINE REDUCES BLOOD CLOTTING. To prevent bleeding, avoid any sports or other activities that may expose you to a risk of bruising or serious injury. Brush your teeth carefully with a soft toothbrush, floss your teeth gently, and use caution when shaving. DO NOT DRINK ALCOHOL while you are taking this medicine. DO NOT CHANGE YOUR EATING HABITS, activity level, or weight without checking with your doctor. Drinking alcohol or changing your diet, activity level, or weight may lead to a change in the amount of this medicine in your blood. This could increase your risk of side effects. Foods that are high in vitamin K (such as green leafy vegetables, broccoli, liver, certain vegetable oils) may change the effects of this medicine. Ask your doctor for a list of foods that may affect this medicine. DO NOT drink cranberry juice or eat cranberry products while you are using this medicine. Tell your doctor if cranberry products or any foods high in vitamin K are already a part of your diet. IF THERAPY WITH THIS MEDICINE IS STOPPED, the blood thinning effects may last for 2 to 5 days after you stop taking it. Discuss any questions or concerns with your doctor. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. This includes vitamins, herbal or dietary supplements, or over-the-counter medicines such as aspirin, ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or cold medicines. IF YOU ARE ALREADY TAKING ASPIRIN for a heart or other condition, talk with your doctor about whether or not you should continue taking it with this medicine. IF YOU WILL BE TRAVELING OR if you will be confined to a bed or chair for a long period of time (such as car or airplane ride), tell your doctor. Elevated body temperature may increase the effect of this medicine. BE CAREFUL TO AVOID BECOMING OVERHEATED, especially during hot weather. USE THIS MEDICINE WITH CAUTION IN THE ELDERLY and in ASIAN patients because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the medicine. FOR WOMEN: DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE if you are pregnant. IT HAS BEEN SHOWN TO CAUSE HARM to the fetus. Avoid becoming pregnant while you are taking this medicine. If you may become pregnant, use an effective form of birth control. If you suspect that you could be pregnant, contact your doctor immediately. IT IS UNKNOWN IF THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED in breast milk. IF YOU ARE OR WILL BE BREAST-FEEDING while you are using this medicine, check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.

Side Effects

NO COMMON SIDE EFFECTS HAVE BEEN REPORTED with the proper use of this medicine. If you notice any unusual effects, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience any back, side, muscle, joint, or stomach pain; black tarry or bloody stools; blood in the urine (pink or brown urine); bloody or coffee ground-like vomit; chest pain; decreased urination; dizziness; fainting; fever; numbness or tingling; pain, unusual color, or temperature change in any area of the body; pale skin; purple, dark, or painful toes; shortness of breath; skin sores or ulcers; stroke symptoms (such as confusion, slurred speech, vision problems, one-sided weakness); sudden severe pain in your legs, feet, or toes; trouble swallowing; unusual bruising or bleeding (such as nosebleed, unusual bleeding from gums, increased bleeding from cuts, increased menstrual or vaginal bleeding, coughing up blood); unexplained swelling; unusual pain, swelling, or discomfort; unusual headache or weakness; wounds or sores that do not heal properly; or yellowing of the skin or eyes. An allergic reaction to this medicine is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, or trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

Active Ingredients

Warfarin