Coumadin is often thought of as a blood thinning drug, but in reality it does not thin the blood. What is does is help prevent blood clots from forming or getting bigger. Usually these dangerous blood clots are in the veins or arteries. The danger is if they dislodge from the vein or artery.

There are side effects of Coumadin that users must be aware of and be on guard against. Some are less serious than others, but users should know all of them just in case. Coumadin side effects may include issues such as internal bleeding (signs and symptoms of internal bleeding are bloody or black, tarry stools, red or dark-brown urine, spitting up blood or brown material that looks like coffee grounds); bleeding from the eye or nose; red spots on the skin, uncommon bruising, bleeding from the gums, back pain, stomach pain, fever, fast heartbeat, chest pain, heavy menstrual cycle bleeding, nausea, chills, difficulty breathing or talking, painful toes (toes may become blue or purple), wheezing, vomiting, skin rash, sudden weight gain, prolonged bleeding from cuts, itching, yellow skin, yellow eyes, and weakness.

All of the above constitute serious side effects and should be reported to your doctor immediately. There are other side effects that may present to the user as well. These are less serious and include such things hair loss, loss of appetite, diarrhea.

You may need to be on a special Coumadin diet, and there may be particular foods to avoid while on Coumadin. Your doctor can tell you about any food to avoid while on Coumadin. You should follow his or her guidance throughout your Coumadin therapy period.

There is some evidence of wu-long tea and interaction with Coumadin. You should not take Coumadin and alcohol together. And you must use the proper Coumadin dosing schedule.

Your doctor can tell you about the proper diet for taking Coumadin and issues with Coumadin and vitamin k. He or she will also tell you about the issues of using Coumadin and grapefruit together. All of this should be remembered and applied.

You can ask for a Coumadin fact sheet either online or at the pharmacy. The fact sheet will contain important information for you such as Coumadin and hematuria, as well as other information that will help keep you safe during your therapy. If you have any questions about this medication, you should ask your doctor for guidance.