Coumadin

Generic Name: warfarin (WAR far in)

Brand name: Coumadin

Drug interactions:

Warfarin is an anticoagulant (blood thinner). Anticoagulants decrease the clotting ability of the blood and therefore help to prevent harmful clots from forming in the blood vessels. Treating and preventing harmful clots that may occur in the veins (venous thrombosis), in the lungs (pulmonary embolism), with a type of abnormal heartbeat (atrial fibrillation), or following a heart valve replacement. Without these clotting factors, blood clots are unable to form. In order for an anticoagulant to help you without causing serious bleeding, it must be used properly and all of the precautions concerning its use must be followed exactly. This medication can cause birth defects in an unborn baby. Do not use if you are pregnant. Use an effective form of birth control, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have allergies to medicines or other substances.