DCMH ANTI-COAGULATION CLINIC - Rest Assured
The Anticoagulation Clinic at Decatur County Memorial Hospital is a Physician Directed, Pharmacist-Managed service. All of the Pharmacists working in the clinic have received specialized training and hold certificates in Anticoagulation Therapy Management. And after all, who knows more about medications than a Pharmacist?
We specialize in advanced Coumadin management using dose monitoring which involves face-to-face contact versus telephone contact for more responsive care. In the care of our Pharmacists in the clinic, you have a Licensed Health Care Professional who is there to provide education and to answer your questions in person. You don’t have to leave a message with your question and then wait hours for a response.
Participation in the Anticoagulation Clinic is voluntary. Patients are free to choose monitoring in the clinic or to continue monitoring with their physician. An advantage to our Clinic is that blood is obtained from a simple finger stick rather than a regular blood draw. Testing is complete within seconds, which means you will know your INR result before you leave the clinic. Our Pharmacists also use Physician-Approved Protocols to adjust doses immediately, if necessary, which means you will also know what dosage to take before you leave the clinic – no more waiting hours or days after your visit to know if your dosage needs to be changed. This Point-of-Care program reduces the risk of adverse events with warfarin and thus increases your SAFETY.
To join our program:
- Ask your physician.
- If appropriate, your physician will need to provide a referral to our clinic.
COMING SOON
Feel free to print the Physician Referral Form below and take with you to your office visit to make it easier for the Physician to complete that referral.)
- A Pharmacist from the clinic will contact you to set up an appointment once we receive the referral from the Physician.
For more information consult the list below or feel free to call (812) 663-1152 and ask to speak with a Pharmacist.
It is important for patients to be aware.
- Anticoagulant patients bruise more easily, but if excessive bruising occurs, please contact the clinic.
- Patients are at risk for bleeding when their PT/INR level becomes too high.
- Patients are at risk for developing a blood clot when their PT/INR level becomes too low.
What are some of the factors that might impact your PT/INR?
- Sickness
- Diet
- The use of other medications, vitamins and/or herbal supplements
- The amount of physical activity
- Missing doses of warfarin, or if the patient does not take it as prescribed
Our clinic should be contacted if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Pain or swelling which is unusual
- The vomitting of blood
- A cut that will not stop bleeding
- Unusual nosebleeds (a small amount mucus is normal)
- Severe or sudden weakness, dizziness, or headache
- Bleeding gums that result from brushing your teeth
- Urine that appears red or dark brown
- Stools that are black, tarry or red
- Menstuation bleeding heavier than normal
You should seek immediate medical attention if you have a cut that will not stop bleeding. Apply constant pressure to the wound when contacting assistance
Anticoagulation patients should:
- NOT make up for a missed dose by taking an extra tablet.
- NOT take warfarin if you are pregnant or may become pregnant.
- NOT take generic warfarin unless specified by your doctor.
- NOT change your dose of warfarin unless instructed to do so by our clinic or your doctor.
With anticoagulation therapy you MUST:
- Get your blood tested as scheduled.
- Keep our clinic informed of any medication changes, either prescribed or over the counter.
- Take your dose exactly the way you were instructed.
- Inform other doctors, dentists, or emergency personnel care that you are on anticoagulation therapy.
- Refill your prescription on time
- Consider purchasing an ID bracelet or necklace or carry a card to alert emergency personnel that you are on anticoagulation therapy.
- Take your anticoagulant in the evening.
Anticoagulation therapy requires you to watch the following:
- Drastic changes to your diet should be avoided.
- Excessive alcohol consumption should be avoided.
- Before participating in any sports/activities that may cause traumatic injury, ask your doctor.