What are the effects of too much Coumadin and Aspirin ?

Question

My brother has A-Fib and is being administered too much of these meds in addition to Klonopin and Cardizem. (He is in a facility (NJ) and we feel he is being overdosed--he is not well..if anyone also able to help legally? medically? Please let me know. I have already tried several media avenues.

I suppose I forgot to mention a few of the effects he is having:
- lost 20 lbs in two weeks
-extremely tired/fatigued, physically weak
- loss of appetite

Answer 1

Hi Hope, you have received some good answers. Let me explain some other things also as a Coumadin patient for 4 years now. A common target INR level for a person taking anticoagulants (Coumadin and Aspirin) is 2.0 to 3.0, though it can vary from one individual to another, and should be determined by a physician. In general, the higher the number, the longer it takes the blood to clot. The target set by a physician for an individual patient is also called the therapeutic INR range, and is dependent upon the condition being treated and the risk of clot formation. However, no matter what range is prescribed, staying in this range is very important to avoid serious complications, including stroke, blood clots and hemorrhaging.

He is not taking too much Coumadin if his levels are in the above ranges. Some people have to take more Coumadin to get their ranges to where they should be. For instance I take 10 mgs every day except Tuesday and Saturdays and on those days take 12.5 mgs. That sounds like a lot, but that keeps my level at 3.0 which is where my doctor wants me because I have a mechanical heart valve. Asprin is also given to many patients on Coumadin, BUT.... it is a one tablet low dose 81 mg Aspirin per day. I take that also. As long as his INR levels are not above the ranges I spoke of above, he is not taking too much. When his ranges get much higher than this, that is when it can become dangerous. Coumadin patients are carefully monitored regularly.

So first you need to find out what his INR level is to see if he is being given too much. If your brother has not allowed you to have access to his medical records, you will have to get him to sign a HIPAA form to allow you to be able to view his records and talk with his doctor. You also need to find out how much Klonopin and Cardizem he is taking. I take 2 Klonopin per day 0.5 mgs. I cannot comment on the Cardizem since I don't know his dosage. But the first thing you need to do is see if you can talk personally with his doctors and review his medical records before you can prove anything, etc.

Answer 2

Coumadin and Aspirin are both blood thinners. Too much and and person becomes easily bruised and may begin to bleed internally which will result in tarry stools and vomit that is brown.

Have you seen his Protime lab tests? The doctors will normally try to keep the blood Protime between 2 and 3. The lower the number the quicker the blood will clot. The higher the number the longer it takes for the blood to clot and means the blood is much thinner.

He should ask or get some one to check on his Protime lab tests. The Protime MUST be closely monitored and controlled. Coumadin is nothing more than RAT KILLER poison. It kills rats because when they eat it their blood will become extremely thin and they will bleed to death inside. This is also true with humans if the Coumadin is not closely monitored.

I doubt you have any grounds for a lawsuit, but do find out what his Coumadin level by get his Protime lab results. Good luck. Pops

Answer 3

Why do you think he is being administered too much Coumadin? Usually blood levels are closely monitored when taking Coumadin. You say he has A-Fib? Then the Coumadin is being administered to prevent him forming a clot and precipitating a heart attack. Cardizem is for the treatment of hypertension. Klonopin is an anti-anxiety medication, so these drugs together would not indicate over-medication. What is alarming to me is that you say he is also taking Aspirin. Aspirin should never, ever be given to a patient who is receiving Coumadin. Is your brother in charge of his own affairs? If so, because of the confidentiality act, there is probably very little you can do, as much as that hurts to hear. Under law, this facility can not, unless you have medical power of attorney, discuss his condition or his medications with you. This is not their idea; it is the law. About all you can do, if he is master of his own estate (that includes himself) is talk to the Administrator and perhaps the Director of Nursing at that facility and tell them your concerns, and appeal to them to have your brother checked by a physician. I pray this has a happy outcome for you.

Answer 4

Sorry to hear of your brother's illness.
He's getting Coumadin b/c of the A-Fib to help thin his blood to prevent any clots. Some side effects are bruising, blood in urine or stool, blood tests(coags) will show if he's getting too much coumadin. Also the Cardiazem is helping with any history of chest pain or to decrease his blood pressure. He may experience lightheadedness or dizziness as a side effect. Try looking at WebMD for more info about his symptoms.
Best of Luck!!!

Answer 5

Coumadin is not usually given to patients with A- fib. Lanoxin might be the right drug for A-fib cause it will strengthen the contractility of the heart muscle while slowing the heart rate. Over using Coumadin and Aspirin may lead to bleeding like petechiae, gum and nose bleeding.

Answer 6

If he has too much of these drugs he will bleed out in his gut. He will have blood in the stool. This is something the doctor needs to check regularly. It can lead to many problems.

Answer 7

How do you now hes getting to much are you a doctor or pharmist,Talk to your family doctor and try to get the exact doses and how many he gets per day,he will be able to tell you if they are over prescibing And tell you exactly what their goal to his recovery is by using these meds

Answer 8

Too much prevents the platelets from sticking together and the blood won't clot if you are bleeding.

Answer 9

Blod is thinned and will not clot. Increases bleeding risks. He may be at a risk for clotting (stroke) and need these drugs. Sit with his doctor and talk. or ask for a 2nd dr opinion.

Answer 10

What if his level 14 is that low