How should I take warfarin (Coumadin)?

Like any other anticoagulation therapy, warfarin makes your blood thinner; thus, it can cause severe bleeding problems. Seek emergency medical care if you have any bleeding that won’t stop or any unusual bleeding problems.   

Take this medication exactly as prescribed. Follow all directions on the prescription label and any medication guides if provided. Your doctor may change your dose, especially initially, based on your INR (international normalized ratio). Never take a larger or smaller amount than the prescribed dose, and don’t take warfarin longer than the duration your doctor instructs you to.

You should take warfarin at the same time every day, with or without food. Never take a double dose.

INR (international normalized ratio) or prothrombin time (PT) are the laboratory tests that measure your blood clotting time. Your doctor will use the results of these tests to determine your warfarin dose. You need to keep all the labs and doctor appointments while being on warfarin therapy.

Tell your doctor if there are any changes to your health. Let your doctor know if you have cold and flu symptoms. Tell your doctor if you have nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, and chills, or if you experience any weight changes. 

Warfarin therapy may need to be stopped before undergoing any surgery and medical or dental procedures. Call your doctor for detailed instructions. 

You should wear a medical alert tag or carry an ID card stating that you take warfarin so that any healthcare provider who treats you, especially under emergencies, should know that you are taking warfarin. 

Suppose warfarin therapy is initiated during your hospital stay before being discharged from the hospital. In that case, you should have a follow-up appointment set up for 3 to 7 days after you leave the hospital. Do not miss these follow-up appointments because your INR will need to be tested to ensure the most accurate warfarin dose. 

Your warfarin therapy may be managed by your doctor or by a Coumadin clinic pharmacist. Do not stop taking warfarin unless your doctor or pharmacist instructs you to do so.

Missed dose: Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the amount or take more than prescribed to make up for the missed dose. Let your doctor know immediately if you have missed more than one dose or are unsure about what to do. 

Storage: Keep the medication in its original container; keep it tightly closed, out of reach of children, pets, and other people. Like any other medications dispensed only with prescriptions, it should not be shared with anyone. Many people store their medications in the bathroom; this is not recommended due to moisture and heat.

Unused medicine: Like other prescription medications, do not consume warfarin after the expiration date. This medication is a prescription drug that is intended for your use only. Unneeded medicines should be disposed of appropriately so that children, pets, and other people cannot get to it. Your local pharmacy can provide information about medication drug take-back programs. You can also learn more about proper medication disposal.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary and may not contain all possible information. If you have more questions or concerns about warfarin, talk to your pharmacist or doctor to ensure that this information applies to you or your family member. 

Discounted prices for warfarin (Coumadin) start at $19.42.

Get your FREE BuzzRx card and 
start saving today!

CHECK PRICES