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Acenocoumarol

  • Follow the instructions your doctor has given you.
  • You will need to see your doctor/nurse regularly for blood tests. It is very important that you keep these appointments.
  • You should be issued with an anticoagulant treatment booklet when you start treatment with this medicine. This will contain details of your acenocoumarol dose and INR (international normalized ratio) and will also give advice on your anticoagulant treatment.

About acenocoumarol

Type of medicine Anticoagulant (blood thinner)
Used for Treatment and prevention of thromboembolic diseases (conditions where a blood clot may form and travel in the body)
Also called Sinthrome
Available as Tablets

Acenocoumarol works by preventing the production of clotting factors.

Before taking acenocoumarol

Before taking acenocoumarol make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
  • If you suffer from mental health problems.
  • If you drink large quantities of alcohol.
  • If you have had recent surgery or are due surgery soon.
  • If you have had a stomach ulcer, or have experienced bleeding internally.
  • If you have heart or lung problems.
  • If you suffer from very high blood pressure.
  • If you suffer from liver or kidney problems.
  • If you require injections into the muscle for any conditions.
  • If you regularly drink cranberry juice.

How to take acenocoumarol

  • Follow the instructions your doctor has given you.
  • Take your tablets at the same time every day.

Getting the most from your treatment

  • You will need to see your doctor/nurse regularly for blood tests. It is very important that you keep these appointments.
  • Large amounts of green vegetables (such as broccoli, brussel sprouts, or spinach) can reduce the effect of acenocoumarol and should be avoided.
  • Changes to your consumption of fats and oils can also alter the effect of acenocoumarol, as vitamin K is a fat soluble vitamin.
  • You should be issued with an anticoagulant treatment booklet when you start treatment with this medicine. This will contain details of your acenocoumarol dose and INR (international normalized ratio) and will also give advice on your anticoagulant treatment.
  • The INR (international normalized ratio) is a measure of how fast your blood clots. Your doctor will use this to work out your dose of acenocoumarol.

Can acenocoumarol cause problems

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicine What can I do if I experience this
Bleeding from any part of the body Contact your doctor as soon as possible.
Feeling or being sick Eat little and often.
Stick to simple foods such as dry toast.
If you are sick, drink plenty of liquid.
Loss of hair Speak to your doctor if you are concerned.
This should reverse once you no longer need to take the tablets.
Rashes Speak to your doctor if this becomes troublesome.
Loss of appetite Try to maintain a balanced diet.

How to store acenocoumarol

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines


  • Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children.
  • Make sure that the person prescribing this medicine knows about any other medicines that you are taking. This includes medicines you buy and herbal and homeopathic medicines.
  • If you buy any medicines check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
  • Before taking this medicine tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction after taking any medicine.
  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.
  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
  • Always read the printed information leaflet that comes with your medicine.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

References

© EMIS 2007 DocID:
3280		 DocRef:
dils2196		 Last Updated:
5 Dec 2007		 Date of Next Review:
4 Dec 2009		 Version:
22








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PS - Health and Poverty

Perhaps the biggest cause of ill health in the world is poverty. Help to Make Poverty History. For example, why not lend some of your money to disadvantaged communities to enable them to trade their way out of poverty through schemes such as Shared Interest.

See also MAKEPOVERTYHISTORY North East for details and links to campaigns against poverty.

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