Tylenol and Coumadin???

Natanni · Oct 31, 2005

Heard from a family member that Tylenol is contraindicated with Coumadin/Warfarin/Jantoven use and I can find nothing to verify this. I could understand taking Tylenol on a regular basis over time could be a problem with the liver, but I was suprised to hear this, and wondering if any of you guys know more? I did check some of the "Must Have" anti-coagulation links provided to me by Ross earlier last month. The UK study had listed problems w/ ASA and Ibuprofen, not acetaminaphin.

Ross · Nov 1, 2005

http://warfarinfo.com/acetaminophen.htm

Guest · Nov 1, 2005

Dr. Elaine Hylek was the author of the study that showed that Tylenol and warfarin could interact. I had dinner with her last May. We talked about this again as we had several years ago. It occurs mainly when someone suddenly starts taking more than about 19 extra-strength tablets over the course of a week. They have found the specific enzyme that is involved. Tylenol and warfarin have both been on the market for 50 years or more and there are few reports of deaths. It remains the most effective pain reliever when you are on warfarin. Tylenol is not an anti-inflammatory, just an analgesic. If you do start taking a large amount of Tylenol, it would be wise to have your INR checked. Just beause it raises the INR does not mean that you cannot take the combination. That is an example of a person with a little knowledge making a broad proclamation. It just takes a little warfarin management skill to do it right.

Georgia · Nov 1, 2005

When my back was bad I took about the maximum amount allowed of tylenol; didn't have a problem with my inr but I think the tylenol use was offset by the decrease in exercise. When the back got better, I went back to exercise & didn't need the tylenol - it all balanced out quite well.

Guest · Nov 1, 2005

Except that Tylenol and lack of exercise both tend to raise the INR.

Georgia · Nov 1, 2005

duh-h-h-h I really did know that, once upon a time. Then I guess I was just lucky; I really didn't have any notable fluctuation in inr during that (nearly) 6 months.