Is Coumadin a dangerous drug?
“It’s an insidious problem,” said Rod Baird, president of Geriatric Practice Management, a firm that creates electronic health records for physicians working in long-term care facilities, in comments published in The Virginian-Pilot. Because it’s so easy to get wrong, “Coumadin is the most dangerous drug in America.”.
Who should not take Coumadin?
You should not take Coumadin if you are allergic to warfarin, or if: you have very high blood pressure; you recently had or will have surgery on your brain, spine, or eye; you undergo a spinal tap or spinal anesthesia (epidural); or you cannot take warfarin on time every day.
What is Coumadin used for?
Coumadin is used to treat or prevent blood clots in veins or arteries, which can reduce the risk of stroke, heart attack, or other serious conditions. Coumadin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Is Coumadin and heparin the same thing?
Heparin and warfarin (Coumadin®, Jantoven®) may be given at the same time. Heparin will act quickly, while warfarin will take two to three days before starts working. Once the warfarin is working, the heparin will be stopped. Pregnant women cannot take warfarin, so they will be treated only with heparin.