KosciuskoCommunityHospital

Coumadin (warfarin) Clinic Guide

Table of Contents

Welcome to KAT Clinic…………………………………………Page 3

Communication…..……………………………………….……Page 4

Why am I on Coumadin (warfarin)?……………………………Page 5

How does Coumadin (warfarin) work?…………………………Page 5

How do I take Coumadin (warfarin)?………………….….……Page 6

What are the possible side effects of Coumadin (warfarin)?...... Page 7

How is Coumadin (warfarin) monitored?.…….…………..……Page 8

Do my other medicines affect Coumadin (warfarin)?…….....…Page 9

Can I drink alcohol on Coumadin (warfarin)?……………..…Page 10

Should my diet change while on Coumadin (warfarin)?…….Page 11

What foods have Vitamin K in them?…………………………Page 12

Final Reminders…………………………………………...……Page 13

Welcome

Dear ______,

Welcome to the Kosciusko Anticoagulation Therapy (KAT) Clinic. Your doctor has asked you to come to the KAT clinic because you are starting Coumadin, which is also known as warfarin.

We are excited to get to know you and work with you. We are here to help keep you healthy and safe while on Coumadin (warfarin). You will see many different faces while using the KAT clinic, but we are all focused on giving you the best care possible.

Coumadin (warfarin) is a very important medication but must be monitored closely and many different parts of your life can affect it. Patients usually come to the clinic frequently at first, and then about once a month after that. This guide along with other items you will receive will help answer questions you may have. You can also contact the KAT clinic any time with any other questions you may have.

Communication

Communication is one of the most important parts of your Coumadin (warfarin) treatment. Communication between you, your doctor, and the KAT staff is required to keep you safe. If you cannot communicate with the KAT staff by returning phone calls and showing up for appointments, you will not be able to use the KAT clinic.

The KAT staff needs to have a way to contact you if needed. Please provide two phone numbers you can be contacted at. Make sure at least one of the phone numbers can take messages. Please call the KAT clinic any time you have questions or concerns.

KAT CLINIC PHONE NUMBER

574-269-8372

KAT CLINIC OFFICE HOURS

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday

7:30 am – 4:00 pm

Thursday

9:00 am – 5:30 pm

Why am I on Coumadin (warfarin)?

There are many uses for Coumadin (warfarin).

You are on Coumadin (warfarin) for: ______

Most of the time, clots are good because they stop bleeding after a cut or injury. But with your condition, a clot on the inside of your body could cause problems such as stroke. When your blood is “thick” it does not flow well and can clot. Coumadin (warfarin) helps to make your blood flow smoothly and stop it from clotting. This is why is it known as a “blood thinner”.

No Coumadin = “THICK” Blood = CLOT

Coumadin = “THIN” Blood = NO CLOT

How does Coumadin (warfarin) work?

There are many substances your body produces to help make clots. Some of these substances require Vitamin K. Coumadin (warfarin) blocks vitamin K so that your body cannot make the substances it needs to clot.

Vitamin K

How do I take Coumadin (warfarin)?

  • Take your Coumadin (warfarin) exactly as instructed.
  • Take Coumadin (warfarin) in the evenings.
  • Do not miss a dose.
  • If you do miss a dose, remember to tell the KAT clinic staff!
  • You may take different amounts of Coumadin (warfarin) on different days of the week.
  • You can take it with other medications or food.

Use a pill organizer!

What are the possible side effects of Coumadin (warfarin)?

Because warfarin thins your blood and stops clotting, the main side effects are related to bleeding.

Minor bleeding that may occur sometimes:

  • Easy bruising.
  • Gum bleeding or minor nose bleeds.
  • Bleeding for longer than normal from a cut.
  • Heavy menstrual bleeding.

Major Bleeding – Call the KAT clinic or go to ER if you have:

  • Urine, stools, or vomit that are red or coffee colored.
  • Black, Tarry looking stools
  • A cut that does not stop bleeding in 10 minutes.
  • Severe stomach or headaches.
  • A serious fall or hit your head.

If you fall, CALL!

How is Coumadin (warfarin) monitored?

  • Coumadin (warfarin) is monitored using your “INR”.
  • Your INR measures how well your blood clots.
  • Different patients have different INR goals
  • Your INR can be measured with a simple finger stick.

Your GoalINRRange is: ______

1 / Kosciusko Anticoagulation Therapy Clinic
574-269-8372

INR BELOW ______

LOW INR

BLOOD IS “THICK”

RISK OF CLOTS

YOU MAY FEEL:

CHEST PAIN

LEG PAIN

DIFFICULTY BREATHING

INR ABOVE ______

HIGH INR

BLOOD IS “THIN”

RISK OF BLEEDING

YOU MAY HAVE:

BLEEDING/BRUISING

DIZZINESS

TIREDNESS

1 / Kosciusko Anticoagulation Therapy Clinic
574-269-8372

Do my other medicines affect Coumadin (warfarin)?

It is O.K. to take other medications while on Coumadin (warfarin) but many medications can affect how it works.

It is very important to inform the KAT clinic of allmedications you take, even over-the-counter products, vitamins, and herbals.

If you have any mild pain, use Tylenol or acetaminophen and NOT products containing aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen.

DO NOT use these products without calling the KAT clinic:

1 / Kosciusko Anticoagulation Therapy Clinic
574-269-8372

Aspirin

  • Bayer
  • Excedrin
  • Nyquil
  • Alka-Seltzer
  • Pepto Bismol

Ibuprofen

  • Advil
  • Motrin
  • Midol

Naproxen

  • Aleve
  • Naprosyn

Others

  • Pepcid (famotidine)
  • Prilosec (omeprazole)
  • Vitamin C
  • Vitamin E
  • Glucosamine/Chondroitin
  • Fish Oil
  • Coenzyme Q10
  • Cranberry/Grapefruit Juice
  • All herbals products
  • Black Licorice Candy
  • Licorice Supplements

1 / Kosciusko Anticoagulation Therapy Clinic
574-269-8372

Do my other medicines affect Coumadin (warfarin)?

  • Call the clinic every time you start a new antibiotic!
1 / Kosciusko Anticoagulation Therapy Clinic
574-269-8372
1 / Kosciusko Anticoagulation Therapy Clinic
574-269-8372
1 / Kosciusko Anticoagulation Therapy Clinic
574-269-8372

Can I Drink Alcohol on Coumadin (warfarin)?

1 / Kosciusko Anticoagulation Therapy Clinic
574-269-8372
1 / Kosciusko Anticoagulation Therapy Clinic
574-269-8372

-Alcohol does affect Coumadin (warfarin).

-Do not binge drink while on Coumadin (warfarin).

-Drink only in moderation.

-Try to drink the same amount of alcohol each week!

-Be careful to not over drink on the weekends and on holidays.

Should my diet change while on

Coumadin (warfarin)?

Because Coumadin (warfarin) inhibits Vitamin K (Vit K), eating foods high in Vit K can work against its effects.

  • Most foods that have Vit K are green, leafy vegetables.
  • You can still eat Vit K foods!
  • The most important thing to remember about your diet is:

CONSISTENCY!

  • Try to eat the same amount of Vit K foods each week.
  • If you have any of the following, tell the KAT clinic:

Changes in appetite

Diarrhea

Constipation

1 / Kosciusko Anticoagulation Therapy Clinic
574-269-8372
1 / Kosciusko Anticoagulation Therapy Clinic
574-269-8372

What foods have Vitamin K in them?

1 / Kosciusko Anticoagulation Therapy Clinic
574-269-8372

High Vitamin K

  • Kale
  • Spinach, cooked

Medium Vitamin K

  • Broccoli
  • Brussel Sprouts

Low Vitamin K

  • Celery
  • Peas

1 / Kosciusko Anticoagulation Therapy Clinic
574-269-8372
  • Swiss Chard
  • Collard Greens
  • Turnip Greens
  • Spinach, raw
  • Asparagus
  • Parsley
  • Romaine lettuce
  • Cabbage

1 / Kosciusko Anticoagulation Therapy Clinic
574-269-8372

Little or No Vitamin K

1 / Kosciusko Anticoagulation Therapy Clinic
574-269-8372
  • Cauliflower
  • Iceberg lettuce
  • Tomato
  • Carrots
  • Cucumber
  • Green Beans
  • Green Peppers
  • Corn

1 / Kosciusko Anticoagulation Therapy Clinic
574-269-8372

~ Remember, consistency is key~

Final Reminders

Always inform doctors and other healthcare workers that you are on Coumadin (warfarin).

Be sure to keep all

appointments with the

clinic and call ahead if

you need to reschedule!

The KAT Clinic staff is here to help you and answer any questions you have.

My Coumadin (warfarin) Notes…

1 / Kosciusko Anticoagulation Therapy Clinic
574-269-8372

______

1 / Kosciusko Anticoagulation Therapy Clinic
574-269-8372