I quit taking my meds

ALCOHOL may interact with WARFARIN SODIUM (in Coumadin)

Warfarin is generally used to prevent your blood from "coagulating" or forming blood clots. Although the cause of this potential interaction is not clearly understood, alcohol (ethanol) may decrease the anticoagulant effect of warfarin. This is more likely to occur when large amounts of alcohol are consumed over a long period of time. Based on information from several studies involving people who consumed small to moderate amounts of alcohol while taking warfarin, this interaction does not appear to cause any harmful effects. However, accidental injuries may occur when alcohol is consumed to the point that it impairs judgment. Because warfarin may increase the risk of excessive bleeding, caution is advised. You may want to ask your healthcare provider about this potential interaction if you think you are having problems.

This interaction is poorly documented and is considered moderate in severity.

Last Updated: May 2006



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WARFARIN SODIUM (in Coumadin) may interact with FOOD

Blood clotting normally occurs in response to a cut or other types of injuries to protect the body from excessive bleeding. Many substances are involved in the clotting process including various chemicals that are produced in the body like vitamin K. Vitamin K is made by bacteria that are normally present in the intestinal tract and may also be supplied in the diet by eating green leafy vegetables, liver, and egg yolks. Warfarin is generally used to prevent your blood from "coagulating" or forming blood clots. Eating foods that are rich in vitamin K may decrease the anticoagulant effect of warfarin. Other foods may prevent warfarin from being absorbed into the body from the stomach. If this happens, then potentially less warfarin would be available for the body to use and blood levels could become too low. This could make warfarin less effective. To minimize this interaction, it is best to avoid nutritional supplements that contain vitamin K. Also, talk with your doctor about your diet, especially as it pertains to vitamin K containing foods. Some doctors may advise you to completely avoid all or certain vitamin K containing foods while others may tell you to aim for keeping your dietary consumption of vitamin K consistent while you are taking warfarin. Always alert your doctor if you have consumed more or less vitamin K containing foods than usual. Discuss this potential interaction with your healthcare provider at your next appointment, or sooner if you think you are having problems.

This interaction is poorly documented and is considered moderate in severity.

Last Updated: August 2006



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WARFARIN SODIUM (in Coumadin) may interact with LOVASTATIN

Lovastatin may block the breakdown of warfarin by the liver. If this happens, blood levels of warfarin could be increased and this could increase its anticoagulant effect. Warfarin is generally used to prevent your blood from "coagulating" or forming blood clots. When lovastatin and warfarin are used at the same time, your blood may be much less likely to clot and this may increase the risk of excessive bleeding. If these drugs are taken together, your doctor may want to monitor you closely when therapy with lovastatin is either started or stopped. Blood tests can be used to make sure that you are getting the right amount of warfarin. If you are experiencing problems, it may be necessary to adjust the dose of warfarin. Discuss this potential interaction with your healthcare provider at your next appointment, or sooner if you think you are having problems.

This interaction is well-documented and is considered moderate in severity.

Last Updated: August 2006



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LOVASTATIN may interact with GRAPEFRUIT JUICE

Grapefruit juice may block the breakdown of lovastatin in the intestines and thus more lovastatin may be absorbed into the bloodstream. Increased blood levels of lovastatin could cause a serious or potentially life-threatening side effect that involves the destruction of muscle tissue and could lead to kidney failure. Avoid taking lovastatin with any form of grapefruit, including the actual fruit as well as drinks and nutritional supplements that contain grapefruit juice. Discuss this potential interaction with your healthcare provider at your next appointment, or sooner if you think you are having problems.

This interaction is poorly documented and is considered moderate in severity.

Last Updated: June 2006

...I notice, with pleasure, that no one has yet jumped in to criticise your decision.

atenolol=
* dizziness
* lightheadedness
* tiredness
* drowsiness
* depression
* upset stomach
* diarrhea
Lisinopril=
* cough
* dizziness
* headache
* excessive tiredness
* upset stomach
* diarrhea
* weakness
* sneezing
* runny nose
* decrease in sexual ability
* rash
warfarin=
* gas
* tiredness
* pale skin

ok here's my meds (daily)
(1)Atenolol 50 mg
(2)lisinopril-hctz 6 mg
(3)cumadin (warfarin) 2 1/2 mg
(4)lovastatin 20 mg

But, risk increases with each additional drug.