I hate Coumadin

[della_anne]

Coumadin complicates things to darn much...everytime I need or want to be on some type of med, I have to check with the cardiologist if there are interactions with coumadin, what a pain.

I have a sinus infection that won't go away,and its really annoying me, I've been to see a doctor...he told me he was going to put me on antibiotics and that he doesn't want to try allergy meds yet because they could interact with Coumadin. There are always interactions with Coumadin. I tried the antibiotics, but that didn't work.

I haven't been back to the doc since I'm afraid that going back will just be a waste of my time because I think that he will tell me I can't be on allergy meds cause of coumadin. I know its probably best to go see the doc anyway, but if it turns out he can't help me, whats the point.

My acne hasn't totally gone away, there is an answer, accutane, but can I take it? Most likely not, I have already somewhat discussed this with a dermatologist, but to her it didn't seem like a good idea. One of the other dermatologists I saw didn't really even like the idea that I am on minocycline, which is what I am taking right now for acne. But my coumadin level seems to be somewhat stable while on this so, not a big problem.

Too many questionable interactions with Coumadin. I don't think doctors totally know how to handle Coumadin.
Why can't they just be black or white, yes or no. No clear answers cause no one surely knows how it will affect Coumadin.

Why can't they come up with some other blood thinning drug? I think I have heard they are, but it won't be ond the market for a long time. Until they I guess I'll just have to deal with it.

Does anyone else have problems with Coumadin interactions?

 

[Ross]

There is so much brick a brack that I've learned to research my own answers and if I have a question, Al Lodwick is getting asked. Your right, Doctors do not understand Coumadin. That isn't just your imagination, that is reality. They'll make a big tada out of nothing but ignorance. Research things for yourself and then put the Doc on the spot with your findings.

 

[Guest]

D-A
One of the things that your doctors don't seem to understand is allergy medications. I can't think of any that would stop you from taking them if you are on warfarin.

I get asked this question by doctors all the time, "I want to use X on patient Y but I can't because of an interaction. What would be the next best thing?"

My answer, "An interaction does not mean that you can't use the drug. What it means is that we will have to be careful and adjust the warfarin dose when they start and stop that medication. Use what you think is best for the patient and let me adjust the warfarin around that."

Interacting drugs are just like green vegetables you don't have to avoid them, just adjust the dose around them.

The Coumadin isn't that bad, the advice that you are getting is.

 

[Gnusgal]

I've been just as frustrated as you have, my dear. My problems have been with migraines. However, something that your docs might not be thinking about is that if you take a med EVERY DAY, you can adjust your coumadin dosage around it. That is what we've finally had to do with my migraine meds. Instead of only taking meds when I have a headache, they have me taking meds every day to prevent them from happening...

Anyway, it's a thought. It may not be much, but at the very least I can tell you I can relate!

 

[Guest]

Niki, You are answering too fast. You must know how to really type and not just hammer away with two fingers like me.

 

[Gnusgal]

Niki, You are answering too fast. You must know how to really type and not just hammer away with two fingers like me.

My middle school typing teacher would be proud.

Not only that, but I'm proud that I had a similar answer to our resident expert.

 

[Karlynn]

I take alllergy meds with no problems. As far as Accutane, that is really really serious stuff. Coumadin would be only one reason I would be cautious in using it.

At times where I may feel sorry for myself for having to make adjustments because of Coumadin, I just think of those I know who are diabetic. They have much more of a daily grind than I do.

 

[Rich]

D-A,
Yes Coumadin is a pain but it sure beats the alternative.
I agree with the others, some adjustments may be necessary during the times you are on these meds, but that is usually just temporary.
I also have had a number of sinus infections, some anti-biotics work and others don't. The one that works quite well for me is Biaxin.
Amomoxicillin did absolutely nothing, only good for dental work in my case.
Rich

 

[Nancy]

Joe's been on Coumadin for almost 28 years, and he's on a ton of other meds, including allergy medications. He cannot take those with decongestants, not because of coumadin but because the decongestant could cause a rise in blood pressure. I cannot take them either for the same reason.

He does take Allegra, but not Allegra-D.

Your doctors need to brush up on Coumadin and how to dose around what you need to maintain your health. You may need more frequent testing during use of some antibiotics, but it has never prevented the use of them when they were needed, with my husband.

I'm always so shocked at how little some doctors know about Coumadin. It's really a darned shame.

You'd better keep a close eye on your own INR readings to make sure you are getting good monitoring of your levels and dosages. Always ask what your INR is and then write it down. Keep a log showing your dosages and INRs. This will give you a reference to help you learn how things are working for you.

By the way, you can always ask your pharmacist about drug interactions. But as Al said, just because there might be an interaction, doesn't mean that you cannot take the medication in most cases. It just means that things have to be watched carefully.

Read Al Lodwick's site from beginning to end. That will give you the knowledge that you need to ask the right questions and be your own advocate.

warfarinfo.com

 

[Guest]

Could anybody possibly read that site from beginning to end???

 

[Ross]

Could anybody possibly read that site from beginning to end???

I've done it a couple times now. Always something new when I do.

 

[ALCapshaw2]

Della Anne

 

[ALCapshaw2]

Della Anne -

My recommendation is to look / ask around to find a REAL Coumadin Clinic. They usually do a much better job of regulating Coumadin and answering questions than most Doctors because they deal with Coumadin patients all day, every day.

Also, you can learn a lot about interactions from knowledgable PHARMACISTS. Then pass what you learned to your doc.

Coumadin does complicate your life but if managed properly, you can learn to 'go with the flow'.

I second everyone's recommendation:
Go read www.warfarinfo.com

Best Wishes,

Al Capshaw

 

[Guest]

Heck, when I read it sometimesI say, "Did I write that?"

 

[della_anne]

Well, I went to the dermatologist today...and me says that its possible to do, but that with being on Coumadin, I would have to be closely regulated, see the doc evey month and more frequent INR testing. He says that it can have an affect on the blood platelets. Plus, accutane can cause birth defects, so, you have to be on contraceptives. What? yes, contraceptives, another medicine to worry about with coumadin. I don't need contraceptives, but it may be a regulated law that you have to by the company that provide the medicine. Everything is so darn complicated with Coumadin. I bet it will cost more too, to have to go to teh doctor every month, plus the cost of teh meds, plus more frequent trips to get INR checked...is it worth it? I don't know. Maybe my acne will just one day magically disappear...one could only hope so. The doc said there is an alternative, laser treatment for acne, but I bet it costs a fortune. And I'm just a poor kid trying to save money so, I probably can't afford it. Oh well, that's life....at least I am alive.....

 

[catwoman]

Della:
You probably won't need to test your INR more frequently after you adjust your dosage to whatever new meds you're taking.
My PCP has told me to test first before starting any Rx that can interfere w/ warfarin, again after several days to see any effects on INR level. At that point, if I need to adjust, I would.
I suspect that's what your doctor meant.
Any time you change/add meds, significantly change your diet (such as switching to low-fat foods), you should test for any effects on your INR.

My niece -- who does NOT take wafarin -- took an acne Rx when she was in college and perhaps right out of college and it did help. She did have to have frequent blood tests while on the Rx.