Does heparin have to be started before taking coumadin?

fudd

Heparin is the fast-acting anticoagulant and coumadin is for the long term. I suspect that they had you on heparin for the DVT and, once you were more stable, wanted to put you on coumadin to prevent it from happening again. Heparin + coumadin could result in blood that is TOO thin, so they probably waited until your levels were down before starting the coumadin. So yes, you could just start the coumadin immediately.

Krazykcio

Thanks for the info. I really didn't want to be stuck in the hospital for so long again. Be well, Kathy

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mimi-in-chicago

There are heparin shots that your doctor will give you for the first week while you are starting the coumadin pills. Coumadin takes a while to build up in your blood, so they give you fast acting shots in the meantime. You will have to get your blood drawn a few times while your are adjusting your doses. You do not have to go to the hospital for this. I was given Lovenox shots that came pre-loaded. Beware, a lot of the needles on these shots are dull...you really have to jab yourself.

Krazykcio

Thank you for the infoTom (I was born in CT...moved to VT 11 years ago) and Mimi. For now my Doc is trying one of the cholestrol-lowering drugs. Although my cholestrol levels are fine, my Hematologist said that the statins have been shown to lower the chances of blood clot formation. So far I had a bad reaction to one drug (Pravachol), but they're trying another. We'll see. It's certainly a better idea than taking coumadin, especially since I have a seizure disorder from a stroke. Thrashing around could cause a problem! Be well, Kathy

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When Mamma ain't happy ain't noone happy!