Sintrom Information
Sintrom
Acenocumarol
ANTICOAGULANTS (Systemic)
Description
Anticoagulants decrease the clotting ability
of the blood and therefore help to prevent harmful clots from forming in the
blood vessels. These medicines are sometimes called blood thinners, although
they do not actually thin the blood. They also will not dissolve clots that
already have formed, but they may prevent the clots from becoming larger and
causing more serious problems. They are often used as treatment for certain
blood vessel, heart, and lung conditions.
In order for an anticoagulant to help you
without causing serious bleeding, it must be used properly and all of the
precautions concerning its use must be followed exactly. Be sure that you
have discussed the use of this medicine with your doctor. It is very
important that you understand all of your doctor's orders and that you are
willing and able to follow them exactly.
Before Using This Medicine
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of
taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a
decision you and your doctor will make. For anticoagulants, the following
should be considered:
Allergies
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to an
anticoagulant. Also tell your health care professional if you are allergic
to any other substances, such as foods, preservatives, or dyes.
Pregnancy
Anticoagulants may cause birth defects. They may also cause other problems
affecting the physical or mental growth of the fetus or newborn baby. In
addition, use of this medicine during the last 6 months of pregnancy may
increase the chance of severe, possibly fatal, bleeding in the fetus. If
taken during the last few weeks of pregnancy, anticoagulants may cause
severe bleeding in both the fetus and the mother before or during delivery
and in the newborn infant.
Do not begin taking this medicine during
pregnancy, and do not become pregnant while taking it , unless you have
first discussed the possible effects of this medicine with your doctor.
Also, if you suspect that you may be pregnant and you are already taking an
anticoagulant, check with your doctor at once. Your doctor may suggest that
you take a different anticoagulant that is less likely to harm the fetus or
the newborn infant during all or part of your pregnancy. Anticoagulants may
also cause severe bleeding in the mother if taken soon after the baby is
born.
Breast-feeding
Warfarin is not likely to cause problems in nursing babies. Other
anticoagulants may pass into the breast milk. A blood test can be done to
see if unwanted effects are occurring in the nursing baby. If necessary,
another medicine that will overcome any unwanted effects of the
anticoagulant can be given to the baby.
Children
Very young babies may be especially sensitive to the effects of
anticoagulants. This may increase the chance of bleeding during treatment.
Older adults- Elderly people are especially sensitive to the effects of
anticoagulants. This may increase the chance of bleeding during treatment.
|
