Hampton VA Medical Center Anticoagulation Clinic Final version

Hampton VA Medical Center Anticoagulation Clinic : 

Hampton VA Medical Center Anticoagulation Clinic Warfarin (Coumadin) Education Class and Clinic Procedures

Warfarin clinic procedures : 

Warfarin clinic procedures Located in pharmacy on 1st floor Clinic will arrange follow-up to draw your INR Will receive letter in the mail Come to lab on scheduled day Preferably before 2 PM Pharmacist will call if immediate changes need to be made After each lab draw You will receive a letter with INR result Date of next scheduled lab appointment Please call if you are unable to keep appointment Please show up for your lab appointments 3 no shows = discharge from Warfarin clinic

What is Warfarin (Coumadin) : 

What is Warfarin (Coumadin) Warfarin is a blood thinner Prevents blood clots from forming Warfarin is prescribed to patients who: Have atrial fibrillation Have had a heart valve replaced Are at risk for forming clots

Consequences of blood clots : 

Consequences of blood clots DVT: deep Vein thrombosis

Consequences of blood clots : 

Consequences of blood clots Stroke/TIA: blood clot in the brain

Consequences of blood clots : 

Consequences of blood clots Heart Attack: a blood clot in the heart

Consequences of blood clots : 

Consequences of blood clots PE (Pulmonary Embolism) : blood clot in the lungs

How does Warfarin work? : 

How does Warfarin work? Warfarin reduces the clotting ability of the blood Taken once a day Full effect in 5-8 days When discontinued, takes 2-3 days for effect to go away

Monitoring Warfarin : 

Monitoring Warfarin Warfarin requires close monitoring The INR test International Normalized Ratio Time it takes for blood to clot INR range determined by your doctor Results indicate: How well Warfarin is working Guide dosing adjustments How often INR needs to be checked

What does my INR mean? : 

What does my INR mean?

Factors that can affect your INR : 

Factors that can affect your INR General Health Prescription and OTC medications Herbal remedies Alcoholic consumption Diet

Factors that can affect your INR : 

Factors that can affect your INR

Warfarin and Vitamin K : 

Warfarin and Vitamin K Foods rich in Vitamin K can counteract Warfarin Many foods contain Vitamin K Highest amount in leafy, green vegetables Spinach Collard greens Broccoli Turnip greens Kale Brussel sprouts Consult with your healthcare provider for a complete list Consistency is key

How should Warfarin be taken? : 

How should Warfarin be taken? Take EXACTLY as prescribed Should be taken same time every day Preferably in evening By itself if possible If you miss a dose Take as soon as possible on same day Skip if it is close to next dose DO NOT double dose Dose will likely change throughout therapy Keep updated record Be familiar with your tablet color and shape

Side effects of Warfarin : 

Side effects of Warfarin Bleeding takes longer to stop Easy bruising Uncontrollable or Unusual bleeding Black, tarry stools Coffee ground vomit Red/brown colored urine Chest pains Bruises that don’t go away Cuts that take longer than 10 minutes to stop bleeding Intense headaches, dizziness, or weakness Medical emergency! Call 911 or go to ER

When to call your Doctor : 

When to call your Doctor Taking any new Rx or OTC drugs, Herbal remedies, or vitamins Changes to your diet Surgeries or medical procedures Including dental work Inform all healthcare professionals you’re on Warfarin Wear medical bracelet or identification

When to call clinic : 

When to call clinic Changed contact information Prescribed a new medication Told to change your Warfarin dose by another prescriber Request refills