Coumadin Management

COUMADIN^® (Warfarin Sodium Tablets, USP) Crystalline: Blood Tests

Why do I need blood tests?
To help your healthcare provider establish the dosage of COUMADIN^® you need, your healthcare provider will take a small amount of your blood to find out your PT/INR.

PT/INRs are very important. They help your healthcare provider determine how fast your blood is clotting and whether your dosage of COUMADIN^® should change.When will I have to take a PT/INR test?
When you start taking COUMADIN^®, you may have PT/INR tests every day for a few days, then perhaps once every week. This will help your healthcare provider give you the dosage of COUMADIN^® that is right for you.

PT/INR tests will be needed at periodic intervals throughout your course of therapy to help keep your PT/INR in the best range for your medical condition. It is important to follow the PT/INR schedule recommended by your healthcare provider.

What things may change my PT/INR test results?
Several factors, such as sickness, diet, other medicines (prescription and over-the-counter), or physical activities, may affect your PT/INR. Tell your healthcare provider about changes in your health, your medicines, or your lifestyle.