FDA requires new information with Coumadin

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In October 2006 the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced a new drug requirement with all new and refill prescriptions of the blood thinner warfarin (brand name Coumadin). The FDA now requires an agency-approved written Medication Guide, with important information about interactions and other dangers involved with taking Coumadin.

According to a report on worstpills.org, warfarin (Coumadin) is a popular and effective drug in preventing patients from developing dangerous blood clots that could lead to deadly pulmonary embolisms, strokes or heart attacks. The drug, unfortunately, interacts with many other drugs, vitamins and dietary supplements. Because it is often difficult to get the dosage exactly right, some patients experience excessive bleeding. This new FDA regulation seeks to curb the potentially life-threatening bleeding episodes that have been known to occur with some patients.

If you or someone you know is taking Coumadin or warfarin, be sure to read the entire Medication Guide, talk to your doctor, and do as much research as possible to prevent misuse of this tricky medicine.