COUMADIN:

You are being discharged on the blood thinner, Coumadin.  You should take your Coumadin at the same time every day. This medication requires frequent adjustment of dosages and close monitoring by a primary care provider. You are to have your INR drawn on XXX.  Your primary care provider will adjust the dosage of your Coumadin based on this lab value.  Future lab draw frequency will be determined by your primary care provider.  Because Coumadin keeps your blood from clotting, you need to protect yourself from injury. You should seek medical attention immediately for any of the following: 1) Bleeding that doesn't stop in 10 minutes  2) Heavier that normal periods  3) Coughing up or vomiting blood  4) Dark urine or black stools  5) Red or black and blue marks that becomes larger  6) A fever or an illness that gets worse 7) Dizziness or fatigue  8) Chest pain or trouble breathing  9) A serious fall or a blow to the head.

Foods high in vitamin K affect the way Coumadin works in your body. You should keep the total amount you eat of these foods the  same each day: Asparagus, Avocado, Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Coleslaw, Collard greens, Endive, Garbanzo beans, Kale, Lentils, Lettuce, Liver, Mustard greens, Sauerkraut, Soybeans, Spinach, Swiss chard, Turnip greens Canola oil, Soybean oil, Mayonnaise, Green Tea, Sweat clover, Sweet woodruff and Tonka beans. Limit wine, beer and hard liquor to no more that 1-2 drinks a day.