Can Coumadin Intake Be Discontinued Abruptly?

Posted on Fri, 23 May 2014

Question: 61 yo female, In ICU last year for PE's due to ankle fracture. On Coumadin for one year til May. I just completely forgot to get my coumadin and my pharmacy is closed. I am supposed to go off Coumadin in just 3 more weeks. Is it a big deal to go off now? SHould I find an emergency pharmacy?Um.. Really? You have 195 doctors online now and I am supposed to wait 24 hours for a response? I feel misled. Now you have my money and I do not know what to do.

Can someone PLEASE let me know what to do? I had not had coumadin now for 24 hours and unless I go to emergency or another pharmacy without a prescription and beg, I won't have any until Monday morning. It is Saturday at 1:36.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Rovena (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
you must continue taking this drug.

Detailed Answer:
hello!
I am Dr.Rovena
I am sorry that you have to wait so long for an answer.

Coumadin (Warfarin) is a drug called anticoagulant and it is a blood-thinner.
It prevent the clot forming in your body.

It is important to continue taking this medicine as long as your doctor prescribes it.
Not taking it for 3 weeks can leads to serious complication because blood clots can for in your bloodstream.

I don't recommend to take that risk.
You should absolutely find this drug .

Hope I was able to help.If you have any further questions I will be happy to help.
Take care.
Dr.Rovena

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Rovena (1 hour later)

YOu did not answer my question.

I never indicated I was not going to take it for 3 weeks. I am scheduled to GO OFF the meds in 3 weeks. I missed getting to the pharmacy today before it closed at 1pm. I was already 1 day without coumadin. Now I will miss it for 3 days as the pharmacy does not open again until Monday.

PLEASE READ and ANSWER MY QUESTION! Do I have to go to the emergency room to get a drug I am already scheduled to end in 3 weeks?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Rovena (13 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Yes you should go to ER to get the drug.

Detailed Answer:
Hello!
I am sorry for this confusion because in the first question you ask If it is a big deal to go off now? and I try to answer this question,but again I am sorry!

The answer to your question is Yes,you should go to the emergency room to get your drug because you can not be without treatment for 3 days.

Take care.

Dr.Rovena

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T