Short-Term Side Effects

Common side effects of Coumadin intake include excessive bleeding, headache, bruising, blood in urine (hematuria), stomach pain, fever, rashes, nosebleeds, and purple toe syndrome. There have also been reports of dermatitis and hair loss, as well as liver damage although these are deemed to be rare. If symptoms persist, stop medication and seek the advice of your doctor.

Long-Term Side Effects

There have been studies linking Coumadin to long term side effects which include less urination, difficulty in breathing, flu, chest pains, and bloody stools, among others. As it is an anticoagulant, there have also been cases of excessive bleeding.

How It Works

What Coumadin does is decrease the coagulation of blood by acting as an inhibitor of a certain vitamin K1 enzyme, the function of which is said to contribute to the blood clotting process when it is recycled. As such, this drug is normally used to counter blocked blood vessels and slowdown in blood circulation which could consequently lead to coagulation. The intake of Coumadin is not recommended for pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and individuals with kidney or liver diseases. A high vitamin K diet does not help.

Drug Interactions

Constant blood testing is often required to monitor the effects of Coumadin to the body. Use with antibiotics such as metronidazole, or anything that contains vitamin K1 is not recommended, as this reverses the result that the drug is trying to accomplish in the first place. Alcohol intake is not recommended during medication

Generic Alternatives

The generic name of Coumadin is Warfarin, also referred to as warfarin sodium. It is also traded under the brand names Jantoven, Marevan, Waran, Warfant, and Lawarin.