1. Is warfarin the generic name for Coumadin?
Yes, warfarin is the generic name for Coumadin. Warfarin is available both as a generic drug and also as a brand-name drug Coumadin.
2. What is the INR test for Coumadin?
INR or international normalized ratio is a test that measures the time that blood takes to clot. It is also known as PT or prothrombin time. This test is used to check the effectiveness of clotting factors and monitor the effects of anticoagulants.
3. How often do you check PT INR while on Coumadin?
When Coumadin is started, it is necessary to test PT INR at least once every few days or every week. After a few weeks, when the dose and the test results are stable, the test is done every 2-3 weeks or sometimes longer.
4. What is the antidote for Coumadin?
Vitamin K, fresh frozen plasma (FFP), and prothrombin plasma concentrate (PPC) are three available antidotes for Coumadin overdose. They are given in varying doses and routes depending on the severity of bleeding and chances of morbidity/death.
5. How to reverse Coumadin?
Vitamin K can reverse the effects of Coumadin. However, it takes some time to work. In life-threatening conditions, FFP or PPC are given, as they immediately reverse the effects of coumadin.
6. Is Coumadin a blood thinner?
Yes, Coumadin is also referred to as a blood thinner. All anticoagulants are also known as blood thinners.
7. Is Coumadin an antiplatelet?
No, Coumadin is not an antiplatelet drug. Anticoagulants prevent the formation of clots by inactivating clotting factors, whereas antiplatelets prevent clots by stopping platelet cells from clumping together.
8. Can Coumadin cause birth defects?
Yes, Coumadin can cause birth defects. It is not given during pregnancy. It crosses the placenta, which leads to bleeding in the fetus, spontaneous abortions, stillbirth, etc. It also causes birth defects like skeletal abnormalities known as fetal warfarin syndrome (FWS).
9. Can Coumadin cause gastritis?
Coumadin can cause some stomach-related side effects like gastritis, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, etc. Most of these side effects are not serious, but if they persist consult your doctor.
10. What's the difference between warfarin and Coumadin?
They both are the same. Warfarin is the generic name and Coumadin is the brand name.
11. Is Jantoven and Coumadin the same?
Yes, they both are the same. Jantoven is the generic name of warfarin, and Coumadin is the trade name.
