Coumadin - an overview
Coumadin - also called warfarin sodium - is a blood thinner or anticoagulant that is prescribed to help treat and prevent blood clots from many different causes.
The manufacturer
Bristol-Myers Squibb Company is the maker of the brand name version of Coumadin.
What it does
Blood clotting is the result of having different clotting factors in the body and takes many steps.
This medication reduces the amount of clotting factors in the body to reduce the chances of blood clotting.
There are some substances that use vitamin K to become active. The reaction makes vitamin K unusable to the body, but it can still recycle it with the help of the enzyme called "vitamin K epoxide reductase." Coumadin blocks the enzyme from forming so the vitamin K cannot be recycled and the clotting factors cannot become active.
It's essential that people understand that Coumadin cannot break clots down - only special medications that are given in a hospital can break them down. This medicine helps to keep clots from actually forming. When Coumadin is used to treat blood clots, it simply keeps the clot from growing larger while the body naturally breaks it down.
Possible side issues
Coumadin, like all medications, has the potential to cause secondary issues. This medication has the potential to cause dangerous side effects. Carefully monitoring the patient can help to reduce the risks for the most dangerous issues.
Potential secondary effects of this medication may include:
- Bruising easily
- Bleeding, including internally which can be dangerous
- Loss of hair
- Purple toe syndrome