Can the drug cumadin cause a patient to become so anemic that he requires 4 units of blood and 2 of plasma?
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Yes, Coumadin can cause anemia secondary to blood loss. Coumadin is used to keep the blood from clotting so it's major side effect is bleeding. The doctors should be monitoring his INR (International normalized ratio). If the INR is to high then your father is at a greater risk of bleeding. Coumadin also has many drug interactions so your father should never take any over the counter meds without consulting a doctor or pharmacist first. Coumadin also interacts with foods high in vitamin K (green leafy vegetables). I would recommend going to coumadin.com to find out more about the drug.
maybe you should go to another set of doctors if you dont like their "full life attitude" maybe they will be able to tell you more about cumadin
He may not be growing new blood cells in his blood marrow. I advise you to be realistic and observe your fathers wishes if he is rational. Coumadin is of course an anti coagulant or blood thinner. There may be an underlying reason for the anemia. Yesterday I received a call that a good friend had died at 82 .It began with anemia. He had had numerous transfusions and was on experimental drug to promote cells ( similar to procrit) he spent the final months in misery, emaciated and with no appetite. If your father isnt happy with the diagnosis HE should ask for a consult but be sure its from him and not you. Picture yourself as the patient. Do you want others telling you what to do? I wouldnt . I am very sorry to hear of your fathers state and he will be in my prayers.
1. If you are not happy with the MD's you are working with get a second opinion
2. One of the complications of coumadin is anemia. I have never seen such an extreme blood loss as you describe without finding a source of bleeding (I am not saying that this cannot happen). The most common side effect of coumadin therapy is bleeding but usually the source is identifiable.
3. Find out why he is on coumadin and what the risk is to him if he were to stop then you can make an informed decision as to what is the next reasonable step.
Your dad may have cancer. Not necessarily of the colon, but, the small intestine, lung, liver, etc., Ask the doctors if this has been ruled out. Also, coumadin can contribute to anemia by thinning the blood and making it easier for the blood to pass thru. Blood cells may become fragmented contributing to a lower cell count. There are a lot of reasons that he may be losing blood. I've had a few patients lose blood after heart attacks and heart surgeries, also. I hope you discover the cause.
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