COUMADIN CLINIC

The Coumadin Clinic monitors Cardiovascular Clinic patients on anticoagulant medications, or "blood thinners."  Testing results are measured as an INR (International Normalization Ratio) and the desired INR for people will differ, depending on their diagnosis.  Many other medications and dietary changes will affect the INR, requiring a possible change in the dose of Coumadin or other "blood thinner."  Frequency of blood testing to monitor the INR is on an individual basis.  Once a person's INR has become stable, the testing is usually once a month.

You may have your INR checked either by finger stick in the Coumadin clinic where immediate results and dosing schedule will be given, or you may otherwise elect to have your testing done at an outside laboratory.  Those results would be sent to the Coumadin Clinic, reviewed, and you would then be contacted if dosing adjustments need to be made.  All patients may contact the Coumadin Clinic for assistance and information regarding their anticoagulation.

COUMADIN INSTRUCTIONS FOR PATIENTS IN THE COUMADIN CLINIC

Welcome to the Coumadin Clinic. You will now be taking Coumadin because you have a medical condition that puts you at risk for forming blood clots that may cause a stroke, heart attack or other serious complication. Coumadin is an anticoagulant which helps prevent blood clots from forming in the body.

At the beginning of therapy, your blood will be checked frequently either in the office with a finger stick or through an outside laboratory. The dose of Coumadin is based on your bloodwork using a value called the INR. The desired range of the INR is either 2.0 – 3.0 or 2.5 – 3.5 depending on your medical condition. Once you are in therapeutic range the blood is usually checked once a month. We ask that you take your Coumadin in the evening.

It is very important to notify us IMMEDIATELY if you are taking any new medications. This includes antibiotics, steroids or over the counter medications. Foods that are high in Vitamin K can reduce the effectiveness of Coumadin in your system. You may continue to eat these foods but reduce the amount you normally eat.

Please notify all your physicians and dentists that you are now on Coumadin.

Please report IMMEDIATELY any unusual bleeding such as blood in the urine or stool, a bloody nose that does not stop bleeding over a prolonged period, heavy bruising or bleeding from the rectal or vaginal area or any bleeding of concern to you.

For more information on Coumadin, click here.

If you have any questions please contact us at 440-882-2056.