If You Are On Coumadin (Blood Thinner) Therapy
Please inform the receptionist if you are on Coumadin therapy because you will need to have periodic prothrombin time (Pro-time) tests. It is important to have a Protime done when specified by your doctor. This will be approximately once every four weeks, once your dose is stabilized. Please call our office by 3:00 p.m. the day the test is done for instructions. It may be necessary to adjust your blood thinner medication.
Always take the exact amount of Coumadin prescribed by your cardiologist -- never take more or less! You should not begin taking any additional medications, such as antibiotics, or over-the-counter drugs such as aspirin or aspirin-containing medications, without contacting your cardiologist first. These drugs could affect the amount of blood thinner you require and the frequency of your checkups. On the other hand, do not discontinue taking any medication unless instructed by your cardiologist, as the same problem may occur. Avoid any drastic changes in your eating habits. Fad or crash diets can affect your response to your anticoagulant therapy.
Let your cardiologist know immediately if you need dental work, surgery or treatment for a severe injury such as a broken bone, or if you develop an infection. Inform your doctor if you develop excessive bleeding from a cut, bleeding from your nose or mouth, or any bleeding that does not stop within a reasonable amount of time. Excessive menstrual bleeding, blood in your urine, red or black bowel movements, or any sudden appearance of black and blue spots on your skin are also important symptoms to bring to your cardiologist's attention.
If you should develop any of these symptoms, just call our office. You may need to stop your anticoagulant medication and schedule a Protime.
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