When you’re at risk for blood clots, Coumadin can be the most powerful line of defense in your doctor’s arsenal. It can also come with equally powerful side effects. If you’ve been prescribed this medication, also called warfarin, it’s important to know what symptoms indicate an urgent need for medical attention.
Potentially Serious Side Effects of Coumadin
Coumadin is a potentially life-saving drug for those at risk for blood clots, because it actively inhibits clotting. Making the body less effective at clotting blood means you’re also at risk for very serious bleeding events if you are cut or otherwise injured. Other serious side effects, which require immediate medical attention include:
- Black or bloody stool
- Severe headache or stomach pain
- Red or brown urine
- Severe bleeding, including abnormally heavy menstrual bleeding
- Changes in vision
- Weakness or dizziness
- Coughing up blood
- Vomiting blood, or vomit resembling coffee grounds
- Joint pain, discomfort or swelling after an injury
Less serious side effects can occur, like bleeding gums after you brush your teeth, bleeding between menstrual periods, vomiting, diarrhea, and fever. These symptoms and similar ones should be reported to your doctor at your next appointment but are not a medical emergency.
Managing Coumadin Therapy
When you’re taking a medication like Coumadin, you need a doctor you can trust to oversee your treatment. At Family Diagnostic Clinic, we’re dedicated to providing the very best in primary care for the entire family. Call us today to learn more about our practice, or to make an appointment with one of our expert care providers to discuss your questions and concerns about Coumadin.