Anticoagulation Medication
If you have been prescribed an anticoagulation medication such as Coumadin (warfarin), our care team will closely monitor your progress and make sure you receive information about your disease/condition and medications. If medication changes are made, the pharmacist will provide you with a new prescription. Each appointment will include blood work (via finger stick) and one-on-one consultation with one of our pharmacists who is specially trained in anticoagulation management.
Anticoagulation medication is highly effective in helping to prevent stroke and death due to stroke in people with atrial fibrillation. However it may not be suitable for everyone. Talk to your doctor about what is best for you.
About Warfarin
Some prescription, non-prescription, over-the-counter and herbal medications may interfere with warfarin, especially antibiotics.
If you have been prescribed warfarin, be sure to check with your physician before taking any other medication (even common over-the-counter medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen, Alka-Seltzer). Be sure to also inform your physician that you are taking warfarin so that he or she will know what medications can safely be prescribed to you.
Always check with your doctor, but these medications can be safely used when taking warfarin:
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
- Benylin cough syrup
- Chlor-Trimeton
- Coricidin HBP
- Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
- Drixoral
- Robitussin
- Mucinex
- Loperamide (Imodium)
Antacids such as Maalox or Mylanta may be taken either two hours before or two hours after your warfarin.
Managing Nosebleeds
Nosebleeds can be a consequence of anticoagulation therapy. If you experience minor nose bleeding at home:
- Stay calm
- Sit in a chair with head forward and mouth open to avoid choking and keep airways unblocked
- Place a cold cloth or ice against your nose and face to decrease bleeding
- Squeeze sides of nose together at the bridge for 15 minutes
- If bleeding continues or worsens, seek medical attention