Patient was educated on precautions to be exercised while taking Coumadin as follows:
- Patients taking Coumadin can present with nose bleeds at the slightest injury. Avoid excessive sneezing and nose picking, which can result in heavy nose bleeds. Also, avoid exposure to extreme cold climate, as the weather in cold seasons dry the mucus membrane out, thus damaging the integrity of nasal mucosa and resulting in nasal bleeds, that can be difficult to stop.
- Patients taking Coumadin can present with easy gingival bleeding. Sometimes, the bleeding can be easily precipitated, even during brushing of the teeth. Use a toothbrush with soft bristles. Do not use a regular floss, as it injures the gums and results in swollen gums and intense bleed. Try using a waxed floss, instead of regular floss.
- Avoid drinking grapefruit juice, while you are taking Coumadin. Grapefruit juice inhibits the metabolism of Coumadin and this can lead to increased blood levels of Coumadin for longer duration, leading to toxicity and episodes of bleeding.
- Do not consume alcohol, while you are taking Coumadin, as alcohol can increase the effects of blood thinner and consequently, make the blood extra thin, thus resulting episodes of hemorrhage and bleeding.
