The purpose of the Coumadin Clinic is two-fold: 1) to test and monitor patients to determine the correct Coumadin dosage to provide; and 2) to educate patients and their families on the anticoagulant drug Coumadin (Warfarin) when a patient is prescribed the drug as treatment. Topics covered with Dr. Caldwell and/or medical staff prior to or during the visit include:
• Why you were prescribed Coumadin
• What Coumadin does and how it interacts with other drugs
• How your diet interacts with Coumadin
• Why it is important that you monitor the medication level, including:
o Taking the medication as directed
o Communicating any complications
o Not adjusting the medication intake unless directed to do so by Dr. Caldwell
Each follow-up evaluation takes approximately 15 minutes and consists of a simple finger-stick procedure .
There is no special preparation required for each test but it is important that you adhere to the appointment schedule as closely as possible. When taking Coumadin, you need to have regular blood tests.
At the conclusion of each test, you are informed of the results and your dosage level is adjusted, if necessary, based on the test results.