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The Do’s and Don’ts of Warfarin (Coumadin®) Therapy

Do’s:
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  • Do strictly adhere to the warfarin (Coumadin®) dosage prescribed by your healthcare provider

  • Do get your INR level monitored on a regular basis

  • Do eat a normal, balanced diet maintaining a consistent amount of vitamin K

  • Do tell your healthcare provider about any other medicines your are taking (prescription and over-the-counter) as well as herbal/nutritional supplements. Also, talk to your healthcare provider before you change, start, or stop taking any other medicines

  • Do monitor yourself for any signs of bleeding

  • Do tell anyone giving you medical or dental care that you are taking warfarin

  • Do wear a medic alert bracelet to identify yourself as being on warfarin

  • Do refill your prescriptions according to your healthcare provider’s orders

  • Do notify your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any signs of bleeding or unusual symptoms

  • Do take your warfarin at the same time each day, on an empty stomach (preferably before bed)

  • Do speak to your healthcare provider about any concerns you may have about taking warfarin

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Don’ts:
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  • Don’t take a double dose of warfarin (Coumadin®) the following day if you find you missed a dose on the previous day. Notify your healthcare provider if you miss any doses

  • Don’t change your warfarin dosage without speaking to your healthcare provider

  • Don’t change, start, or stop any medications or nutritional supplements without speaking to your healthcare provider

  • Don’t make any drastic changes in your diet without speaking to your healthcare provider

  • Don’t participate in any activity or sport that may cause a traumatic injury

  • Don’t drink alcohol

  • Don’t take warfarin during pregnancy

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