What It Is and What It Does
What is COUMADIN®?
COUMADIN® is an anticoagulant. Anti means against, and coagulant refers to blood clotting. An anticoagulant helps reduce clots from forming in the blood. COUMADIN® is the brand name for warfarin. Generic warfarin is made by several companies.
Why do I need COUMADIN®?
Your doctor wants you to take COUMADIN® because your body may make clots that are harmful. These clots can cause serious medical problems. A clot can move to another part of your body. For example, if a clot moves to your brain, it can cause a stroke.
COUMADIN® is used to help prevent and treat blood clots:
- in the legs and lungs
- associated with an irregular, rapid heartbeat called "atrial fibrillation"
- associated with heart-valve replacement
If you had a heart attack, COUMADIN® may be used to:
- lower the risk of death
- lower the risk of another heart attack
- lower the risk of stroke
- lower the risk of blood clots moving to other parts of the body
