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PRODUCT MONOGRAPH
PrCOUMADIN*
Warfarin Sodium Tablets, Bristol-Myers Squibb Std., (crystalline)
1, 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 10 mg
Anticoagulant
* TM of Bristol-Myers Squibb Pharma Company used under licence by Bristol-Myers Squibb Canada Control PRODUCT MONOGRAPH
PrCOUMADIN*
Warfarin Sodium Tablets, Bristol-Myers Squibb Std., (crystalline) THERAPEUTIC CLASSIFICATION
ACTION AND CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY
COUMADIN (warfarin sodium) and other coumarin anticoagulants act by inhibiting the synthesis of Vitamin K dependent clotting factors, which include Factors II, VII, IX and X, and the anticoagulant proteins C and S. Half-lives of these clotting factors are as follows: Factor II - 60 hours, VII - 4-6 hours, IX - 24 hours, and X - 48-72 hours. The half-lives of proteins C and S are approximately 8 hours and 30 hours, respectively. The resultant in vivo effect is a sequential depression of Factors VII, IX, X and II. Vitamin K is an essential cofactor for the post ribosomal synthesis of the vitamin K dependent clotting factors. The vitamin promotes the biosynthesis of g-carboxyglutamic acid residues in the proteins which are essential for biological activity. Warfarin is thought to interfere with clotting factor synthesis by inhibition of the regeneration of vitamin K1 epoxide. The degree of depression is dependent upon the dosage administered. Therapeutic
doses of warfarin decrease the total amount of the active form of each vitamin K dependent
clotting factor made by the liver by approximately 30% to 50%.
An anticoagulation effect generally occurs within 24 hours after drug administration. However,
peak anticoagulant effect may be delayed 72 to 96 hours. The duration of action of a single dose
of racemic warfarin is 2 to 5 days. The effects of COUMADIN may become more pronounced as
effects of daily maintenance doses overlap. Anticoagulants have no direct effect on an
established thrombus, nor do they reverse ischemic tissue damage. However, once a thrombus
has occurred, the goal of anticoagulant treatment is to prevent further extension of the formed clot
and prevent secondary thromboembolic complications which may result in serious and possibly
fatal sequelae.
Pharmacokinetics
COUMADIN is a racemic mixture of the R- and S-enantiomers. The S-enantiomer exhibits 2-5
times more anticoagulant activity than the R-enantiomer in humans, but generally has a more
rapid clearance. It is important that all warfarin sodium products provide the same ratio of
enantiomers as that which is present in COUMADIN.
Absorption
COUMADIN is essentially completely absorbed after oral administration with peak concentration
generally attained within the first 4 hours. Studies using warfarin sodium indicate the rate but not
the extent of absorption of the drug is decreased by the presence of food in the GI tract. Warfarin is also absorbed percutaneously. Individuals differ in the rate at which they absorb warfarin. Distribution There are no differences in the apparent volumes of distribution after intravenous and oral administration of single doses of warfarin solution. Warfarin distributes into a relatively small apparent volume of distribution of about 0.14 litre/kg. A distribution phase lasting 6 to 12 hours is distinguishable after rapid intravenous or oral administration of an aqueous solution. Using a one compartment model, and assuming complete bioavailability, estimates of the volumes of distribution of R- and S-warfarin are similar to each other and to that of the racemate. Warfarin is distributed to the liver, lungs, spleen, kidney, and crosses the placenta. Concentrations in fetal plasma approach the maternal values, but warfarin has not been found in human milk (see WARNINGS - Use in Nursing Mothers). Approximately 99% of the drug is bound to plasma proteins. Metabolism Individual patients vary greatly in the rate at which they metabolize warfarin. The elimination of warfarin is almost entirely by metabolism. COUMADIN is stereoselectively metabolized by hepatic microsomal enzymes (cytochrome P-450) to inactive hydroxylated metabolites (predominant route) and by reductases to reduced metabolites (warfarin alcohols). The warfarin alcohols have minimal anticoagulant activity. The metabolites are principally excreted into the urine; and to a lesser extent into the bile. The metabolites of warfarin that have been identified include dehydrowarfarin, two diastereoisomer alcohols, 4'-, 6-, 7-, 8- and 10-hydroxywarfarin. Numerous cytochrome p-450 isozymes may be involved in the metabolism of warfarin, including CYP 2C9, 2C19, 2C8, 2C18, 1A2 and 3A4. CYP 2C9 is likely to be the principal isozyme modulating anticoagulant activity in clinical use. This enzyme constitutes the primary pathway for the metabolism of S-warfarin, the more potent enantiomer found in racemic mixtures of warfarin. Its complete inhibition in vivo may be expected to result in lower maintenance dose requirement of warfarin. Individuals with allelic polymorphisms of CYP 2C9 have been identified and have been shown to have lower maintenance dose requirements of warfarin and increased risk of overanticoagulation. The S-enantiomer of warfarin is mainly metabolized to 7-hydroxywarfarin by CYP2C9, a polymorphic enzyme. The variant alleles CYP2C9*2 and CYP2C9*3 result in decreased in vitro CYP2C9 enzymatic 7-hydroxylation of S-warfarin. The frequencies of these allelles in Caucasians are approximately 11% and 7% for CYP2C9*2 and CYP2C9*3, respectively. Patients with one or more of these variant CYP2C9 alleles have decreased S-warfarin clearance (Table 1). Table 1. Relationship between S-Warfarin Clearance and CYP2C9 Genotype in Caucasian
Patients
CYP2C9
Genotype
S-Warfarin Clearance/Lean Body Weight (mL/min/kg)
Mean (SD)
b p<0.001. Pairwise comparisons indicated significant differences among all 3 genotypes. Other CYP2C9 alleles associated with reduced enzymatic activity occur at lower frequencies, including *5, *6, and *11 alleles in populations of African ancestry and *5, *9 and *11 alleles in Caucasians. Pharmacogenomics
A meta-analysis of 9 qualified studies including 2775 patients (99% Caucasian) was performed to examine the clinical outcomes associated with CYP2C9 gene variants in warfarin-treated patients. In this meta-analysis, 3 studies assessed bleeding risks and 8 studies assessed daily dose requirements. The analysis suggested an increased bleeding risk for patients carrying either the CYP2C9*2 or CYP2C9*3 alleles. Patients carrying at least one copy of the CYP2C9*2 allele required a mean daily warfarin dose that was 17% less than the mean daily dose for patients homozygous for the CYP2C9*1 allele. For patients carrying at least one copy of the CYP2C9*3 allele, the mean daily warfarin dose was 37% less than the mean daily dose for patients homozygous for the CYP2C9*1 allele. In an observational study, the risk of achieving INR >3 during the first 3 weeks of warfarin therapy was determined in 219 Swedish patients retrospectively grouped by CYP2C9 genotype. The relative risk of over anticoagulation as measured by INR >3 during the first 2 weeks of therapy was approximately doubled for those patients classified as *2 or *3 compared to patients who were homozygous for the *1 allele. Warfarin reduces the regeneration of vitamin K from vitamin K epoxide in the vitamin K cycle, through inhibition of vitamin K epoxide reductase (VKOR), a multiprotein enzyme complex. Certain single nucleotide polymorphisms in the VKORC1 gene (especially the -1639G>A allele) have been associated with lower dose requirements for warfarin. In 201 Caucasian patients treated with stable warfarin doses, genetic variations in the VKORC1 gene were associated with lower warfarin doses. In this study, about 30% of the variance in warfarin dose could be attributed to variations in the VKORC1 gene alone; about 40% of the variance in warfarin dose could be attributed to variations in VKORC1 and CYP2C9 genes combined. About 55% of the variability in warfarin dose could be explained by the combination of VKORC1 and CYP2C9 genotypes, age, height, body weight, interacting drugs, and indication for warfarin therapy in Caucasian patients. Similar observations have been reported in Asian patients. The terminal half-life of warfarin after a single dose is approximately one week; however, the effective half-life ranges from 20 to 60 hours, with a mean of about 40 hours. The clearance of R-warfarin is generally half that of S-warfarin, thus as the volumes of distribution are similar, the half-life of R-warfarin is longer than that of S-warfarin. The half-life of R-warfarin ranges from 37 to 89 hours, while that of S-warfarin ranges from 21 to 43 hours. Studies with radiolabeled drug have demonstrated that up to 92% of the orally administered dose is recovered in urine. Very little warfarin is excreted unchanged in urine. Urinary excretion is in the form of metabolites. In the Elderly
Patients 60 years or older appear to exhibit greater than expected PT/INR response to the anticoagulation effects of warfarin. The cause of this increased sensitivity in this age group is not known. This increased anticoagulant effect of warfarin may be due to a combination of pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic factors. Racemic warfarin clearance may be unchanged or reduced with increasing age. Limited information suggest that there is no difference in the clearance of S-warfarin in the elderly, compared to that seen in young subjects. However, there may be a slight decrease in the clearance of R-warfarin in the elderly, compared to the young. Therefore, as patient age increases, a lower dose of warfarin is usually required to produce a therapeutic level of anticoagulation. Renal Impairment
Renal clearance is considered to be a minor determinant of anticoagulant response to warfarin. No dosage adjustment is necessary for patients with renal failure. Hepatic Impairment
Hepatic dysfunction can potentiate the response to warfarin through impaired synthesis of clotting factors and decreased metabolism of warfarin. INDICATIONS AND CLINICAL USE
COUMADIN (warfarin sodium) is indicated for the prophylaxis and/or treatment of venous thrombosis and its extension, pulmonary embolism, atrial fibrillation with embolization, and as an adjunct in the prophylaxis of systemic embolism after myocardial infarction, including stroke and reinfarction. The following are some of the more common clinical disorders which may be associated with or predispose patients to the above indications: Surgical procedure or trauma associated with a high risk of thromboembolism It may also be useful as an adjunct in the treatment of transient cerebral ischemic attacks due to intravascular clotting. CONTRAINDICATIONS
Anticoagulation is contraindicated in any localized or general physical condition or personal circumstances in which the hazard of haemorrhage might be greater than the potential clinical benefits of anticoagulation, such as: Pregnancy
COUMADIN (warfarin sodium) is contraindicated in pregnancy because the drug passes through the placental barrier and may cause fatal haemorrhage to the fetus in utero. Women of childbearing potential must take precautions not to become pregnant while on COUMADIN therapy. Furthermore, there have been reports of birth malformations in children born to mothers who have been treated with warfarin during pregnancy. Embryopathy characterized by nasal hypoplasia with or without stippled epiphyses (chondrodysplasia punctata) has been reported in pregnant women exposed to warfarin during the first trimester. Central nervous system abnormalities also have been reported, including dorsal midline dysplasia characterized by agenesis of the corpus callosum, Dandy-Walker malformation, and midline cerebellar atrophy. Ventral midline dysplasia, characterized by optic atrophy, and eye abnormalities have been observed. Mental retardation, blindness, and other central nervous system abnormalities have been reported in association with second and third trimester exposure. Although rare, teratogenic reports following in utero exposure to warfarin include urinary tract anomalies such as single kidney, asplenia, anencephaly, spina bifida, cranial nerve palsy, hydrocephalus, cardiac defects and congenital heart disease, polydactyly, deformities of toes, diaphragmatic hernia, corneal leukoma, cleft palate, cleft lip, schizencephaly, and microcephaly. Spontaneous abortion and still birth are known to occur and a higher risk of fetal mortality is associated with the use of warfarin. Low birth weight and growth retardation have also been reported. Women of childbearing potential who are candidates for anticoagulant therapy should be carefully evaluated and the indications critically reviewed with the patient. If the patient becomes pregnant while taking this drug, she should be apprised of the potential risks to the fetus, and the possibility of termination of the pregnancy should be discussed in the light of those risks. Haemorrhagic tendencies or blood dyscrasias
traumatic surgery resulting in large open surfaces. Bleeding tendencies associated with active ulceration or overt bleeding of : gastrointestinal, genitourinary or respiratory tracts Threatened abortion, eclampsia and preeclampsia. Unsupervised patients with senility, alcoholism, or psychosis or other lack of patient cooperation. Spinal puncture and other diagnostic or therapeutic procedures with potential for uncontrollable bleeding. Miscellaneous: major regional, lumbar block anesthesia, malignant hypertension and known hypersensitivity to warfarin sodium or to any other components of COUMADIN. WARNINGS
WARNING: BLEEDING RISK
Warfarin sodium can cause major or fatal bleeding. Bleeding is more likely to occur during the
starting period and with a higher dose (resulting in a higher INR). Risk factors for bleeding
include high intensity of anticoagulation (INR >4.0), age ≥65, highly variable INRs, history of
gastrointestinal bleeding, hypertension, cerebrovascular disease, serious heart disease,
anemia, malignancy, trauma, renal insufficiency, concomitant drugs (see PRECAUTIONS), and
long duration of warfarin therapy. Regular monitoring of INR should be performed on all treated
patients. Those at high risk of bleeding may benefit from more frequent INR monitoring, careful
dose adjustment to desired INR, and a shorter duration of therapy. Patients should be
instructed about prevention measures to minimize risk of bleeding and to report immediately to
physicians signs and symptoms of bleeding. (See PRECAUTIONS: Information for Patients)
Haemorrhage
The most serious risks associated with anticoagulant therapy with COUMADIN (warfarin sodium)
are haemorrhage in any tissue or organ (see WARNING BOX) and, less frequently (<0.1%),
necrosis and/or gangrene of skin and other tissues. The risk of haemorrhage is related to the
level of intensity and the duration of anticoagulant therapy. Haemorrhage and necrosis have in
some cases been reported to result in death or permanent disability. Necrosis appears to be
associated with local thrombosis and usually appears within a few days of the start of
anticoagulant therapy. In severe cases of necrosis, treatment through debridement or
amputation of the affected tissue, limb, breast or penis has been reported. Careful diagnosis is
required to determine whether necrosis is caused by an underlying disease. Warfarin therapy
should be discontinued when warfarin is suspected to be the cause of developing necrosis and
heparin therapy may be considered for anticoagulation. Although various treatments have been
attempted, no treatment for necrosis has been considered uniformly effective. See below for
information on predisposing conditions. These and other risks associated with anticoagulant
therapy must be weighed against the risk of thrombosis or embolization in untreated cases.
It cannot be emphasized too strongly that treatment of each patient is a highly
individualized matter. COUMADIN, a narrow therapeutic range (index) drug, may be affected
by factors such as other drugs and dietary Vitamin K. Dosage should be controlled by periodic
determinations of prothrombin times (PT) ratio/ International Normalized Ratio (INR) or other
suitable coagulation tests. Determinations of whole blood clotting and bleeding times are not
effective measures for control of therapy. Heparin prolongs the one-stage PT. When heparin
and COUMADIN are administered concomitantly, refer below to CONVERSION FROM HEPARIN
THERAPY for recommendations.
Caution should be observed when COUMADIN is administered in any situation or in the presence of any predisposing condition where added risk of haemorrhage, necrosis and/or gangrene is present. Anticoagulation therapy with COUMADIN may enhance the release of atheromatous plaque emboli, thereby increasing the risk of complications from systemic cholesterol microembolization, including the "purple toe syndrome". Discontinuation of COUMADIN therapy is recommended when such phenomena are observed. While the "purple toe syndrome" is reported to be reversible, other complications of microembolization may not be reversible. Systemic atheroemboli and cholesterol microemboli can present with a variety of signs and symptoms including purple toe syndrome, livedo reticularis, rash, gangrene, abrupt and intense pain in the leg, foot, or toes, foot ulcers, myalgia, penile gangrene, abdominal pain, flank or back pain, hematuria, renal insufficiency, hypertension, cerebral ischemia, spinal cord infarction, pancreatitis, symptoms simulating polyarteritis, or any other sequelae of vascular compromise due to embolic occlusion. The most commonly involved visceral organs are the kidneys followed by the pancreas, spleen, and liver. Some cases have progressed to necrosis or death. Purple toe syndrome is a complication of oral anticoagulation characterized by a dark, purplish or mottled color of the toe, usually occurring between 3-10 weeks, or later, after the initiation of therapy with warfarin or related compounds. Major features of this syndrome include purple color of plantar surfaces and sides of the toes that blanches on moderate pressure and fades with elevation of the legs; pain and tenderness of the toes, waxing and waning of the color over time. While the purple toes syndrome is reported to be reversible, some cases progress to gangrene or necrosis which may require debridement of the affected area, or may lead to amputation. A severe elevation (>50 seconds) in activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) with a PT ratio/INR in the desired range has been identified as an indication of increased risk of postoperative haemorrhage. This has been noted in patients undergoing elective hip surgery receiving warfarin alone. Administration of anticoagulants in the following conditions will be based upon clinical judgement in which the risks of anticoagulant therapy are weighed against the risk of thrombosis or embolization in untreated cases. The following may be associated with these increased risks: Severe to moderate hepatic or renal insufficiency. Infectious diseases or disturbances of intestinal flora, such as sprue or as seen with antibiotic use. Trauma which may result in internal bleeding. Surgery or trauma resulting in large exposed raw surfaces. Hereditary or acquired deficiencies of protein C or its cofactor, protein S, have been associated with tissue necrosis following warfarin administration. Not all patients with these conditions develop necrosis, and tissue necrosis occurs in patients without these deficiencies. Inherited resistance to activated protein C has been described in many patients with venous thromboembolic disorders but has not yet been evaluated as a risk factor for tissue necrosis. The risk associated with these conditions, both for recurrent thrombosis and for adverse reactions, is difficult to evaluate since it does not appear to be the same for everyone. Decisions about testing and therapy must be made on an individual basis. It has been reported that concomitant anticoagulation therapy with heparin for 5 to 7 days during initiation of therapy with COUMADIN may minimize the incidence of tissue necrosis. Warfarin therapy should be discontinued when warfarin is suspected to be the cause of developing necrosis and heparin therapy may be considered for anticoagulation. Diseases affecting the microvasculature or microcirculation, such as polycythemia vera, vasculitis, and severe diabetes. Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia
COUMADIN should be used with caution in patients with heparin-induced thrombocytopenia and deep vein thrombosis. Cases of venous limb ischemia, necrosis, and gangrene have occurred in patients when heparin treatment was discontinued and warfarin therapy was started or continued especially when large initiation doses were used. In some patients sequelae have included amputation of the involved area and/or death. The use of alternative anticoagulant therapy should be considered in patients with heparin-induced thrombocytopenia and deep vein thrombosis. Use in Nursing Mothers
Based on very limited published data, warfarin has not been detected in the breast milk of mothers treated with warfarin. The same limited published data reports that breast-fed infants, whose mothers were treated with warfarin, had prolonged prothrombin times. The decision to breast-feed should be undertaken only after careful consideration of the available alternatives. Women who are breast-feeding and anticoagulated with warfarin should be very carefully monitored so that recommended INR values are not exceeded. It is prudent to perform coagulation tests on infants at risk for bleeding before advising women taking warfarin to breast-feed. Effects in premature infants have not been evaluated. Miscellaneous:
Minor and severe allergic/hypersensitivity reactions and anaphylactic reactions have been reported. In patients with acquired or inherited warfarin resistance, decreased therapeutic responses to COUMADIN have been reported. Exaggerated therapeutic responses have been reported in other patients. Patients with congestive heart failure may become more responsive to COUMADIN, thereby requiring more frequent laboratory monitoring, and reduced doses of COUMADIN. Concomitant use of anticoagulants with streptokinase or urokinase is not recommended and may be hazardous. (Please note recommendations accompanying these preparations). PRECAUTIONS
Periodic determination of PT ratio/INR or other suitable coagulation test is essential (See
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION: Laboratory Control).
Numerous factors, alone or in combination, including travel, changes in diet, environment,
physical state or medication, or the use of natural medicines, may influence the patient’s
response to anticoagulants. It is generally good practice to monitor the patient's
response with additional PT ratio/INR determinations in the period immediately after
discharge from the hospital, and whenever other medications, including natural medicines,
are initiated, discontinued or taken irregularly. The following tables in this section
provide a listing of factors, alone or in combination, which may effect the PT. However,
other factors may also affect the anticoagulant response and the tables are provided for
your reference only.
Drugs may interact with COUMADIN (warfarin sodium) through pharmacodynamic or
pharmacokinetic mechanisms. Pharmacodynamic mechanisms for drug interactions with
COUMADIN are synergism (impaired hemostasis, reduced clotting factor synthesis),
competitive antagonism (vitamin K), and altered physiologic control loop for vitamin K
metabolism (hereditary resistance). Pharmacokinetic mechanisms for drug interactions
with COUMADIN are mainly enzyme induction, enzyme inhibition, and reduced plasma
protein binding. It is important to note that some drugs may interact by more than one
mechanism.
Because a patient may be exposed to a combination of listed factors, the net effect of
COUMADIN on PT ratio/INR responses may be unpredictable. More frequent PT/INR
monitoring is therefore advisable.
Intramuscular injections of concomitant medications should be confined to the upper extremities which permit easy access for manual compression, inspections for bleeding and use of pressure bandages. Interactions
The complete in vivo inhibition of the CYP 2C9 isozyme, may be expected to result in lower maintenance dose requirement of warfarin. Individuals with allelic polymorphisms of CYP 2C9 have been identified and have been shown to have lower maintenance dose requirements of warfarin and increased risk of overanticoagulation. Acquired or inherited warfarin resistance should be suspected if large daily doses of COUMADIN are required to maintain a patient's PT ratio/INR within a normal therapeutic range. Medications of unknown interaction with coumarins are best regarded with caution. When these medications are started or stopped, more frequent PT ratio/INR monitoring is advisable. Coumarins may also affect the action of other drugs. Hypoglycaemic agents (chlorpropamide and tolbutamide) and anticonvulsants (phenytoin and phenobarbital) may accumulate in the body as a result of interference with either their metabolism or excretion. It has been reported that concomitant administration of warfarin and ticlopidine may be associated with cholestatic hepatitis. Close monitoring of patients receiving nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents (NSAIDs) is recommended to be certain that no change in anticoagulation dosage is required. In addition to specific drug interactions that might affect prothrombin time, NSAIDs can inhibit platelet aggregation, and can cause gastrointestinal bleeding, peptic ulceration and/or perforation. The following factors, alone or in combination, may be responsible for INCREASED PT
ratio or INR, or INCREASED risk of bleeding:
elevated temperature poor nutritional state Potential drug interactions with COUMADIN are listed below by drug class and by specific drugs. Classes of Drugs
Central Alcohol Abuse Reduction Preparations Quinolones (fluoroquinolones) Sulfonamides, long acting Tetracyclines Anti-fungal Medications, Antimalarial Agents Intravaginal, Systemic* Bile Acid-Binding Resins* Fibrates HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors* Selective Serotonin Reuptake Steroids, Adrenocortical * Inhibitors Specific Drugs Reported
also: other medications affecting blood elements which may modify hemostasis dietary deficiencies; prolonged hot weather; unreliable PT determinations * Increased and decreased PT ratio/INR responses have been reported. The following factors, alone or in combination, may be responsible for DECREASED PT
ratio or INR, or increased potential risk of thromboembolic events:
Potential drug interactions with COUMADIN are listed below by drug class and by specific
drugs
Classes of Drugs
Specific Drugs Reported
also: diet high in vitamin K; unreliable PT determinations * Increased and decreased PT ratio/INR responses have been reported. Natural Medicines (Including Herbals and Botanicals)
Caution should be exercised when natural medicines are taken concomitantly with
COUMADIN. Few, adequate, well-controlled studies exist evaluating the potential for metabolic
and/or pharmacologic interactions between natural medicines and COUMADIN. Due to a lack of
manufacturing standardization with natural medicines, the amount of active ingredients may vary.
This could further confound the ability to assess potential interactions and effects on
anticoagulants. It is good practice to monitor the patient’s response with additional PT/INR
determinations when initiating or discontinuing natural medicines.
Specific natural medicines reported to affect COUMADIN therapy include the following: Bromelains, danshen, dong quai (Angelica sinensis), garlic, and Ginkgo biloba, ginseng, and cranberry products are associated most often with an INCREASE in the effects of COUMADIN. However, the effects of ginseng can be variable (increased or decreased effect of COUMADIN) and the combination should be avoided or more careful monitoring is warranted. Coenzyme Q10 (ubidecarenome) and St. John’s wort are associated most often with a Some natural medicines may cause bleeding events when taken alone (e.g., garlic and Ginkgo biloba) and may have anticoagulant, antiplatelet, and/or fibrinolytic properties. These effects would be expected to be additive to the anticoagulant effects of COUMADIN. Conversely, other natural medicines may have coagulant properties when taken alone or may decrease the effects of COUMADIN. Some natural medicines that may affect coagulation are listed below for reference; however, this list should not be considered all-inclusive. Many natural medicines have several common names and scientific names. Natural medicines that contain coumarins with potential anticoagulant effects:
Passion Flower (Passiflora edulis) Prickley Ash - Northern (Zanthoxylum americanum) Sweet Clover (Melilotus officinalis) Sweet Woodruff (Galii odorati herba) Dandelionc (Taraxacum officinale) Fenugreek (Trigonella fœnumgræcum) Horse Chestnut (Æsculus hippocastanum) Horseradish (Cochleria armoracia) Miscellaneous natural medicines with anticoagulant properties:
Bladder Wrack (Fucus vesiculosus) Pau d’arco (Tabebuia avellanedæ) Natural medicines that contain salicylate and/or have antiplatelet properties:
Black Cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa) Feverfew (Chrysanthenum parthenum) German Sarsaparilla (Corex arenaria) Wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens) Natural medicines with fibrinolytic properties:
Natural medicines with coagulant properties:
b Contains coumarins and has fibrinolytic properties. c Contains coumarins and has antiplatelet properties. d Has antiplatelet and fibrinolytic properties. Considerations for Increased Bleeding Risk
COUMADIN is a narrow therapeutic range (index) drug, and additional caution should be observed
when warfarin sodium is administered to certain patients. Reported risk factors for bleeding include
high intensity of anticoagulation (INR >4.0), age ≥65, highly variable INRs, history of
gastrointestinal bleeding, hypertension, cerebrovascular disease, serious heart disease, anemia,
malignancy, trauma, renal insufficiency, concomitant drugs (see PRECAUTIONS) and long
duration of warfarin therapy. Identification of risk factors for bleeding and certain genetic variations
in CYP2CP and VKORC1 in a patient may increase the need for more frequent INR monitoring and
the use of lower warfarin doses (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY: Metabolism and DOSAGE
AND ADMINISTRATION). Bleeding is more likely to occur during the starting period and with a
higher dose of Coumadin (resulting in a higher INR).
Intramuscular (I.M.) injections of concomitant medications should be confined to the upper extremities which permit easy access for manual compression, inspections for bleeding and use of pressure bandages. Caution should be observed when COUMADIN (or warfarin) is administered concomitantly with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), including aspirin, to be certain that no change in anticoagulation dosage is required. In addition to specific drug interactions that might affect PT/INR, NSAIDs, including aspirin, can inhibit platelet aggregation, and can cause gastrointestinal bleeding, peptic ulceration and/or perforation. Use in Elderly and/or Debilitated Patients
Patients 60 years or older appear to exhibit greater than expected PT/INR response to the anticoagulant effects of warfarin (see ACTION and CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY, In the Elderly). COUMADIN is contraindicated in any unsupervised patient with senility. Caution should be exercised with administration of warfarin sodium to elderly and/or debilitated patients in any situation or physical condition where added risk of hemorrhage is present. Low initiation and maintenance doses of COUMADIN are recommended in the elderly (see DOSAGE and ADMINISTRATION). Use in Pregnancy
Use in Children
Safety and effectiveness in children below 18 years of age have not been established in randomized, controlled clinical trials. However, the use of COUMADIN in pediatric patients has been documented for the prevention and treatment of thromboembolic events. Difficulty achieving and maintaining therapeutic PT ratio/INR ranges in the pediatric patient has been reported. More frequent PT ratio/INR determinations are recommended because of possible changing warfarin requirements. ADVERSE REACTIONS
Potential adverse reactions to COUMADIN (warfarin sodium) may include: Fatal or nonfatal haemorrhage from any tissue or organ. This is a consequence of the anticoagulant effect. The signs, and symptoms, and severity will vary according to the location and degree or extent of the bleeding. Haemorrhagic complications may present as paralysis; paresthesia; headache, chest, abdomen, joint, muscle or other pain; dizziness; shortness of breath, difficult breathing or swallowing; unexplained swelling; weakness; hypotension; or unexplained shock. Therefore, the possibility of haemorrhage should be considered in evaluating the condition of any anticoagulated patient with complaints which do not indicate an obvious diagnosis. Bleeding during anticoagulant therapy does not always correlate with PT ratio/INR (see SYMPTOMS AND TREATMENT OF OVERDOSAGE). Bleeding which occurs when the PT ratio/INR is within the therapeutic range warrants diagnostic investigation, since it may unmask a previously unsuspected lesion, e.g. tumour, ulcer, etc. Necrosis of skin and other tissues (see WARNINGS). Adverse reactions reported infrequently include: Body As A Whole: hypersensitivity/allergic reactions, pain, edema, asthenia, fever, headache, fatigue, lethargy, malaise, anemia, pallor. Central and Peripheral Nervous System: dizziness, cold intolerance, coma, loss of consciousness, syncope and paresthesia, including feeling cold and chills Gastrointestinal: nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain, including cramping, flatulence/bloating, vomiting Liver and Biliary: elevated liver enzymes, hepatitis, jaundice, cholestatic hepatic injury Skin and Appendages: alopecia, rash, pruritus, urticaria, dermatitis, including bullous eruptions Vascular, Extracardiac: angina syndrome, chest pain, systemic cholesterol microembolization, purple toe syndrome, vasculitis Rare events of tracheal or tracheobronchial calcification have been reported in association with long-term warfarin therapy. The clinical significance of this event is unknown. Priapism has been associated with anticoagulant administration, however, a causal relationship has not been established. SYMPTOMS AND TREATMENT OF OVERDOSAGE
Signs and Symptoms
Suspected or overt abnormal bleeding (e.g., appearance of blood in stools or urine, haematuria, excessive menstrual bleeding, melena, petechiae, excessive bruising or persistent oozing from superficial injuries) are early manifestations of anticoagulation beyond a safe and satisfactory level. Treatment
Excessive anticoagulation, with or without bleeding, may be controlled by discontinuing COUMADIN (warfarin sodium) therapy and if necessary, by administration of oral or parenteral vitamin K1. (Please see recommendations accompanying vitamin K1 preparations prior to use.) Such use of vitamin K1 reduces responses to subsequent COUMADIN therapy. Patients may return to a pretreatment thrombotic status following the rapid reversal of a prolonged PT. Resumption of warfarin administration reverses the effect of vitamin K1, and a therapeutic PT can again be obtained by careful dosage adjustment. If rapid anticoagulation is indicated, heparin may be preferable for initial therapy. If minor bleeding progresses to major bleeding, give 5 to 25 mg (rarely up to 50 mg) parenteral vitamin K1. In emergency situations of severe haemorrhage, clotting factors can be returned to normal by administering 200 to 500 mL of whole blood or fresh frozen plasma, or by giving commercial Factor IX complex. A risk of hepatitis and other viral diseases is associated with the use of these blood products; Factor IX complex is also associated with an increased risk of thrombosis. Therefore, these preparations should be used only in exceptional or life-threatening bleeding episodes secondary to COUMADIN overdosage. Purified Factor IX preparations should not be used because they cannot increase the levels of prothrombin, Factor VII and Factor X, which are also depressed along with the levels of Factor IX as a result of COUMADIN treatment. Packed red blood cells may also be given if significant blood loss has occurred. Infusions of blood or plasma should be monitored carefully to avoid precipitating pulmonary edema in elderly patients or patients with heart disease. DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION
The administration and dosage of COUMADIN (warfarin sodium) must be individualized according to the patient's responsiveness to the drug. The dosage should be adjusted according to results of the patients PT ratio/INR. Measurement of warfarin induced effects on PT can vary substantially due to the sensitivity of different thromboplastin reagents. Early clinical studies of oral anticoagulants, which formed the basis for recommended therapeutic ranges of 1.5 to 2.5 times control PT, used sensitive human brain thromboplastin. When using the less sensitive rabbit brain thromboplastins commonly employed in PT assays today, adjustments must be made to the targeted PT range that reflect this decrease in sensitivity. The best available information supports the following recommendations for dosing of
COUMADIN
Venous Thromboembolism (including deep venous thrombosis [DVT] and pulmonary
embolism [PE])
For patients with a first episode of DVT or PE secondary to a transient (reversible) risk factor, treatment with warfarin for 3 months is generally recommended. For patients with a first episode of idiopathic DVT or PE, warfarin is generally recommended for at least 6 to 12 months. For patients with two or more episodes of documented DVT or PE, indefinite treatment with warfarin is suggested. For patients with specific risk factors (e.g. documented antiphospholipid antibodies), please refer to current treatment guidelines for recommended duration of treatment. The dose of warfarin should be adjusted to maintain a target INR of 2.5 (INR range, 2.0 to 3.0) for all treatment durations. Atrial Fibrillation
Five recent clinical trials evaluated the effects of warfarin in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (AF). Findings of these studies revealed that the effects of warfarin in reducing thromboembolic events including stroke were similar at either moderately high INR (2.0-4.5) or low INR (1.4-3.0). There was a significant reduction in minor bleeds at the low INR. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in populations with atrial fibrillation and valvular heart disease. Although clinical studies have used a wide range of warfarin dosing, a more recent study suggests that in patients with atrial fibrillation, anticoagulant prophylaxis is effective at INRs of 2.0 to 3.0. The study also shows that the risk of thromboembolic stroke may increase substantially at INR's less than 2.0. INR value should not exceed 4.0, to reduce the risk of anticoagulant-related bleeding. Similar data from clinical studies in valvular atrial fibrillation patients are not available. The trials in non-valvular atrial fibrillation support the recommendation that an INR of 2.0-3.0 be used for long term warfarin therapy in appropriate AF patients. In cases where the risk of thromboembolism is great, such as in patients with recurrent systemic embolism, a higher INR may be required. An INR ratio of greater than 4.0 appears to provide no additional therapeutic benefit in most patients and is associated with a higher risk of bleeding. In AF patients undergoing elective cardioversion, anticoagulant therapy should be given for three weeks before cardioversion and continued until normal sinus rhythm has been maintained for four weeks. Oral anticoagulation is recommended in patients with persistent or paroxysmal atrial fibrillation withour valvular disease but at high risk of embolic stroke, i.e., having any of the following features: prior ischemic stroke, transient ischemic attack, or systemic embolism; age >75 years; moderately or severely impaired left ventricular systolic function or congestive heart failure, history of hypertension, or diabetes mellitus. For patients at lower risk, individualized treatment is required. For patients with atrial fibrillation and valvular heart disease, especially mitral valve stenosis, anticoagulation is recommended. For patients with atrial fibrillation and prosthetic heart valves, anticoagulation is required, with the target INR generally increased, with or without aspirin added, depending of risk factors related to the replaced valve or inherent to the patient. Post-Myocardial Infarction
For most patients following myocardial infarction and not at high risk, antithrombotic treatment should consist of aspirin alone. In patients with acute coronary syndrome that were revascularised by percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), clopidogrel is usally added. For high-risk patients with myocardial infarction (MI), including those with a large anterior MI, significant heart failure, intracardiac thrombus visible on echocardiography, or those with a history of a thromboembolic event, therapy with combined moderate-intensity warfarin (INR 2.0 to 3.0) plus low-dose aspirin (100 mg/day) for 3 months following myocardial infarction should be considered. Laboratory Control
The Prothrombin Time (PT) should be determined daily after the administration of the initial dose until International Normalized Ratio (INR) results stabilize in the therapeutic range. Intervals between subsequent INR determinations should be based upon the physician's judgment of the patient's reliability and response to COUMADIN in order to maintain the individual within the therapeutic range. Acceptable intervals for INR determinations are normally within the range of one to four weeks after a stable dosage has been determined. To ensure adequate control, it is recommended that additional PT tests be done when other warfarin products are interchanged with warfarin sodium tablets, as well as whenever other medications are initiated, discontinued, or taken irregularly (see PRECAUTIONS). Safety and efficacy of warfarin therapy can be improved by increasing the quality of laboratory control. Reports suggest that in usual care monitoring, patients are in therapeutic range only 33%-64% of the time. Time in therapeutic range is significantly greater (56%-93%) in patients managed by anticoagulation In switching to another warfarin product, particular emphasis needs to be placed on INR control. INR outside of the therapeutic range may result in serious clinical consequences: lack of efficacy leading to thromboembolic stroke or myocardial infarction, if INR values are low, and intracranial bleeding if they are high. Initial Dosage
The dosing of COUMADIN must be individualized according to the patient's sensitivity to the drug as indicated by the PT/ INR. Use of a large loading dose may increase the incidence of hemorrhagic and other complications, does not offer more rapid protection against thrombi formation, and is not recommended. It is recommended that COUMADIN therapy be initiated with a dose of 2 to 5 mg per day with dosage adjustments based on the results of PT/INR determinations. The lower initiation doses should be considered for patients with certain genetic variations in CYP2C9 and VKORC1 enzymes as well as for elderly and/or debilitated patients and patients with potential to exhibit greater than expected PT/INR responses to COUMADIN. Elderly and Asian patients may require lower initiation and maintenance doses of COUMADIN (see PRECAUTIONS).
Maintenance
Most patients are satisfactorily maintained at a dose of 2 to 10 mg daily. Flexibility of dosage is
provided by breaking scored tablets in half. The individual dose and interval should be gauged by
the patient's prothrombin response.
Duration of Therapy
The duration of therapy in each patient should be individualized. In general, anticoagulant
therapy should be continued until the danger of thrombosis and embolism has passed.
Missed Dose
The anticoagulant effect of COUMADIN persists beyond 24 hours. If the patient forgets to take
the prescribed dose of COUMADIN at the scheduled time, the dose should be taken as soon as
possible on the same day. The patient should not take the missed dose by doubling the daily
dose to make up for missed doses, but should refer back to his or her physician.
Treatment during Dentistry and Surgery
The management of patients who undergo dental and surgical procedures requires close liaison
between attending physicians, surgeons and dentists. PT ratio/INR determination is
recommended just prior to any dental or surgical procedure. In patients undergoing minimal
invasive procedures who must be anticoagulated prior to, during, or immediately following these
procedures, adjusting the dosage of COUMADIN to maintain the PT ratio/INR at the low end of the
therapeutic range, may safely allow for continued anticoagulation. The operative site should be
sufficiently limited and accessible to permit the effective use of local procedures for haemostasis.
Under these conditions, dental and surgical procedures may be performed without undue risk of
haemorrhage. Some dental or surgical procedures may necessitate the interruption of
COUMADIN therapy. When discontinuing COUMADIN even for a short period of time, the
benefits and risks should be strongly considered.
Conversion from Heparin Therapy
Since the anticoagulant effect of COUMADIN is delayed, heparin is preferred initially for rapid
anticoagulation. Conversion to COUMADIN may begin concomitantly with heparin therapy or
may be delayed 3 to 6 days. To ensure continuous anticoagulation, it is advisable to continue full
dose heparin therapy and that COUMADIN therapy be overlapped with heparin for 4 to 5 days,
until COUMADIN has produced the desired therapeutic response as determined by PT ratio/INR.
When COUMADIN has produced the desired PT ratio/INR or prothrombin activity, heparin may be
discontinued.
COUMADIN may increase the aPTT test, even in the absence of heparin. During initial therapy
with COUMADIN, the interference with heparin anticoagulation is of minimal clinical significance.
As heparin may affect the PT, patients receiving both heparin and COUMADIN should have blood
drawn for PT ratio/INR determination, at least:
5 hours after the last IV bolus dose of heparin, or 4 hours after cessation of a continuous IV infusion of heparin, or 24 hours after last subcutaneous heparin injection. PHARMACEUTICAL INFORMATION

Drug Substance
Proper Name:
3-(α-acetonyl-benzyl)-4-hydroxycoumarin Structural Formula: Molecular Formula: C19H15NaO4 Crystalline warfarin sodium, U.S.P., a Vitamin K dependent factor anticoagulant, is chemically crystalline sodium warfarin isopropanol clathrate. Warfarin is a coumarin derivative and is available as a racemic mixture of the 2 optical isomers of the sodium salt. The crystallization of warfarin sodium virtually eliminates trace impurities present in amorphous warfarin sodium, thus achieving a crystalline product of the highest purity. Warfarin sodium occurs as a white, odourless, crystalline powder which has a slightly bitter taste, is discoloured by light and is very soluble in water; freely soluble in alcohol; very slightly soluble in chloroform and in ether. The pH is between 7.2 and 8.3, in a solution (1 in 100). The melting point is between 157̊ - 167̊ C, range not to exceed 4̊ C. The pKa is 5.05.
Composition
COUMADIN (warfarin sodium) tablets contain the following ingredients: magnesium stearate,
lactose anhydrous, pregelatinized tapioca starch, and colour dye which varies in each tablet
strength.
FD&C Blue No. 2 Aluminum Lake and FD&C Red No. 40 Aluminum Lake FD&C Blue No. 1 Aluminum Lake and D&C Yellow No. 10 Aluminum Lake FD&C Yellow No. 6 Aluminum Lake, FD&C Blue No. 2 Aluminum Lake and FD&C Red No. 40 Aluminum Lake FD&C Yellow No. 6 Aluminum Lake and FD&C Blue No. 1 Aluminum Lake
Stability and Storage Recommendations
Tablet
Protect from light and moisture. Store at room temperature (15C to 30C). Dispense in a tight,
light-resistant container as defined in the U.S.P.
AVAILABILITY OF DOSAGE FORM
COUMADIN (warfarin sodium) tablets are single-scored and imprinted as follows:
Strength
Imprint Side 1
The 1.0, 2.0, 2.5 and 5.0 mg strengths are supplied in bottles of 100, 250 and 1000. The 3.0 and 4.0 mg strengths are available in bottles of 100 and 250. The 6.0 and 10.0 mg strengths are available in bottles of 100. INFORMATION TO THE PATIENT

Please read this leaflet before you start taking COUMADIN (warfarin sodium). Each time you
renew your prescription, read the leaflet that comes with your medicine, just in case any
information has changed. Remember, this leaflet does not take the place of talking to your health
care provider (such as your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist). You and your health care provider
should discuss COUMADIN when you start taking your medication and at regular checkups.
1.
What is COUMADIN?
 COUMADIN is an anticoagulant drug. "Anti" means against, and "coagulant" refers to
blood clotting. An anticoagulant helps reduce clots from forming in the blood.  COUMADIN is a narrow therapeutic index drug, which means that there is a narrow margin
between too much and too little of the drug. Too much drug may cause you to bleed more. Too little drug may let a harmful clot form. How does COUMADIN work?
 COUMADIN partially blocks the re-use of vitamin K in your liver. Vitamin K is needed to
make clotting factors that help the blood to clot and prevent bleeding. Vitamin K is found naturally in foods such as leafy, green vegetables and certain vegetable oils.  COUMADIN begins to reduce blood clotting within 24 hours after taking the drug. The full
effect may take 72 to 96 hours to occur. The anti-clotting effects of a single dose of
COUMADIN last 2 to 5 days, but it is important for you to take your dose every day.

3. What should I tell my healthcare provider before starting COUMADIN
Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions, including if you: have a heart problem called congestive heart failure drink alcohol or have problems with alcohol abuse. Alcohol can affect your COUMADIN dose and should be avoided. are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. are breastfeeding. COUMADIN may increase bleeding in your baby. Talk to your doctor about the best way to feed your baby. If you choose to breastfeed while taking COUMADIN, both you and your baby should be carefully monitored for bleeding problems. Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. See “What should I avoid while taking COUMADIN?” 4. What is the most important information I should know when taking COUMADIN?
 Like all prescription drugs, COUMADIN may cause side effects. The most common side
effect of COUMADIN is bleeding, which may be serious and life-threatening. However,
the risk of serious bleeding is low when the effect of COUMADIN is within a range that is
right for your specific medical condition. Notify your health care provider right away of any
unusual bleeding or if signs or symptoms of bleeding occur (see “What are the possible
side effects of COUMADIN”).
 Do not take COUMADIN during pregnancy. Use effective measures to avoid pregnancy
while taking COUMADIN.
 The dose of COUMADIN may be different for each patient. For example, older patients
(age 60 years of age or older) appear to have a greater-than-expected response to
COUMADIN so that as patient age increases, a lower dose of COUMADIN may be needed.
Your health care provider will decide what dose is best for you. This dose may change
from time to time.
 To decide on the dosage of COUMADIN you need, your health care provider will take a
small amount of your blood to find out your prothrombin time, protime, or PT, for short. Protimes are often recorded as an INR (International Normalized Ratio), a standard way of reporting protimes.  PT/INR tests are very important. They help your health care provider see how fast your blood is clotting and whether your dosage of COUMADIN should change.
 When you start taking COUMADIN, you may have PT/INR tests every day for a few days,
then perhaps one time every week. These PT/INR tests and regular visits to a health
care provider are very important for the success of therapy with COUMADIN. PT/INR
tests will be needed at periodic intervals (such as one time per month) throughout your
course of therapy to keep your PT/INR in the best range for your medical condition.
Discuss with your health care provider the range that is right for you.
 Eat a normal balanced diet maintaining a consistent level of green, leafy vegetables that contain high amounts of Vitamin K since the amount of vitamin K in your daily diet may
affect COUMADIN therapy.
 Report any illness, such as throwing up (vomiting), loose or runny stools (diarrhea), an infection or fever, to your health care provider.  Call your healthcare provider right away if you fall or injure yourself, especially if you hit your head. Your healthcare provider may need to check you.  Tell anyone giving you medical or dental care that you are taking COUMADIN.
 Tell your healthcare provider about any planned surgeries, medical or dental procedures. Your COUMADIN may have to be stopped for a short time or you may need your dose adjusted.  Carry identification stating that you are taking COUMADIN.
How should I take COUMADIN?
 Take COUMADIN exactly the way your health care provider tells you and take it at
the same time every day. You can take COUMADIN either with food or on an empty
stomach. Your dosage may change from time to time depending on your response to
COUMADIN.
 If you miss a dose of COUMADIN, notify your health care provider right away. Take the
dose as soon as possible on the same day, but do not take a double dose of COUMADIN
the next day to make up for a missed dose.
What are the possible side effects of COUMADIN?
Your health care provider can tell you about possible side effects of COUMADIN, which
include bleeding and allergic reactions. To lower the risk of bleeding, your PT/INR should be
kept within a range that is right for you.
Please contact your health care provider right away if you experience any of the
following signs or symptoms of bleeding problems.
 bleeding from shaving or other cuts that does not stop  nosebleeds  bleeding of gums when brushing your teeth  vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds  unusual bruising (black-and-blue marks on your skin) for unknown reasons  pink or dark brown urine  more bleeding than usual when you get your menstrual period or unexpected bleeding from Serious, but rare, side effects of COUMADIN include skin necrosis (death of skin tissue) and
“purple toe syndrome,” either of which may require removal of unhealthy tissue and/or
amputation of the affected area. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have pain,
color, or temperature change to any area of your body or if you have pain in your toes and
they look purple or dark in color. You may need medical care right away. Talk with your
health care provider for further information on these side effects.
Hypersensitivity/allergic reactions are reported infrequently. Signs or symptoms of these reactions may range from mild reactions (rash, itching, hives) to more severe reactions (trouble breathing, throat tightening or constriction, facial swelling, swollen lips or tongue, sudden low blood pressure). These are not all of the side effects of COUMADIN. For more information, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist. 7. What should I avoid while taking COUMADIN?
 Do not start, stop, or change any medicine except on advice of your health care provider. COUMADIN interacts with many different drugs, including aspirin and aspirin-containing ointments and skin creams as well as natural medicines (e.g., bromelains, coenzyme Q10, danshen (Colocasia antiquorum), dong quai (Angelica sinensia), garlic, ginkgo biloba, ginseng and St. John’s wort). Tell your health care provider about any prescription and non-prescription (over-the-counter) drugs that you are taking including occasional use of headache medications.  Do not take any other medicines that contain warfarin. Warfarin is the active ingredient in  Do not make drastic changes in your diet, such as eating large amounts of green, leafy vegetables. The amount of vitamin K in your daily diet may affect therapy with COUMADIN.  Avoid intake of cranberry juice or any other cranberry products. Notify your healthcare provider if any of these products are part of your normal diet.  Do not attempt to change your weight by dieting, without first checking with your health care  Do not participate in any activity or sport that may result in serious injury. What does COUMADIN look like?
COUMADIN Tablets are available in many strengths and each strength has a unique tablet
color:
Tablet Strength
Tablet Color
Each round, single-scored tablet is imprinted on one side with the word “COUMADIN” and the
numeric strength of the tablet.
Be sure to check that the tablet shows “COUMADIN” and the right numeric strength before
you take it.
How to Store Coumadin
Store the tablets at room temperature (15C to 30C). Protect from light and moisture. TOXICOLOGY
Carcinogenicity and mutagenicity studies have not been performed with warfarin sodium. The reproductive effects of warfarin have not been evaluated. Warfarin is contraindicated in women who are or who may become pregnant because the drug passes through the placental barrier and may cause fatal haemorrhage to the fetus in utero. Furthermore, there have been reports of birth malformations in children born to mothers who have been treated with warfarin during pregnancy (see CONTRAINDICATIONS). BIBLIOGRAPHY
1. Peterson P, et al, Placebo Controlled, Randomized Trial Of Warfarin And Aspirin For Prevention Of Thromboembolic Complications In Chronic Atrial Fibrillation: The Copenhagen AFASAK Study. Lancet. 1989;1:175-179. 2. Stroke Prevention in Atrial Fibrillation Investigators. Stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation study final results. Circulation. 1991;84:527-539. Boston Area Anticoagulation Trial for Atrial Fibrillation Investigators. The effect of low-dose warfarin on the risk of stroke in patients with nonrheumatic atrial fibrillation. N Engl J. Med. 1990;323:1505-1511. 4. Connolly SJ, et al, Canadian Atrial Fibrillation Anticoagulation (CAFA) study. JACC. 5. Ezekowitz MD, et al, Warfarin in the Prevention of Stroke Associated with Nonrheumatic Atrial Fibrillation. N Engl J Med. 1992;327:1406-1412. 6. Laupacis A., M.D. et al., Antithrombotic Therapy in Atrial Fibrillation. 7. Smith P., et al,: The Effect of Warfarin on Mortality and Reinfarction After Myocardial Infarction (WARIS). N. Engl J Med. 1990;323:147-152, 8. Hirsh J., et al: Oral Anticoagulants: Mechanism of Action, Clinical Effectiveness, and Optimal Therapeutical Range. Chest1995;108(4):231s-246s. 9. Stroke Prevention in Atrial Fibrillation Investigators: Adjusted-dose warfarin versus low-intensity, fixed-dose warfarin plus aspirin for high-risk patients with atrial fibrillation: Stroke Prevention in Atrial Fibrillation III randomised clinical trial. Lancet, 1996;348(9028):633-638. 10. Hylek EM., et al: An analysis of the Lowest Effective Intensity of Prophylactic Anticoagulation for Patients with Nonrheumatic Atrial Fibrillation., N Eng J Med, 1996;335:540-546. 11. Warkentin TE, et al. The pathogenesis of venous limb gangrene associated with heparin-induced thrombocytopenia. Ann Intern Med 1997; 127: 804-812. 12. Spiers ASD, Mibashan RS. Increased warfarin requirement during mercaptopurine therapy: a new drug interaction. Lancet 1974; 2: 221-222. Yamashita S, Paton T. The effects of warfarin and heparin on anticoagulation tests. Can J Hosp Pharm 1989; 42(1): 10-15. Park EJ, Oh H, Kang TH, et al. An isocoumarin with hepatoprotective activity in Hep GE and primary hepatocytes from Agrimonia pilosa. Arch Pharm Res 2004;27(9):944-446. Wang JP, Hsu MF, Teng CM. Antihemostatic effect of Hsien-Ho-T’sao (Agrimonia pilosa). Am J Chin Med. 1984 Summer;12(1-4):116-123. Liu HC. Agrimony. In: Chinese Natural Cures. Black Dog & Leventhal. January 2006, pp 152-153.

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