Q. As Coumadin causes skin rash, shall we switch to Aspirin?
Hi doctor,
My mother is 91 years old. She is currently taking 4.5 mg of Coumadin a day. She has developed a very itchy rash on most of her body. She has been on Coumadin for six years, but this dosage is particularly high for her. Her INRs were only showing 1.2 to 1.4, which is why it was increased to 4.6 mg from 3 mg. Will this medicine cause this rash? She is miserable and we are currently putting Triamcinolone cream on the rash. Coumadin was originally prescribed for atrial fib, but she now has a pacemaker and did have an ablation. Is there any way to change her to Aspirin and discontinue Coumadin, which seems to be wreaking havoc with her system? I will be calling her primary doctor tomorrow; however, I want to have a little knowledge when I talk with him. Any of your comments will be appreciated. Thank you.
Hi,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
Based on your query, my opinion is as follows:
- No, as she was already on Coumadin (Warfarin) since a long time, it cannot be the cause of the rash.
- Aspirin and Coumadin have different methods of action and one cannot be used in place of another. Both may be used.
- A preferable INR (international normalized ratio) is between 2 to 3. Your mother's value is really low and thereby dose increase was necessary.
- She definitely requires Coumadin and Warfarin-induced rash is a very low possibility now. Coumadin (Warfarin) is not the cause here.
- Look for other environmental or food causes for allergy itchy rashes. Antihistamines like Cetirizine can be taken for itching.
For further information consult a geriatrician online --> https://www.icliniq.com/ask-a-doctor-online/geriatrician
Ask a Query
Consult by Phone
Video ChatRelated Questions & Answers
Which anticoagulant is best to prevent stroke- Apixaban or Dabigatran?
Query: Hello doctor, My mum has had an ischemic stroke. She is currently taking Warfarin, Bisoprolol, Ramipril, and Furosemide. Despite the Warfarin at 5 mg, her INR is 1.7 (that is outside the therapeutic range). She is 41 kg and age is 76. She is being encouraged by her doctor to change the anticoagulan... Read Full >>
Hematologist
Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. As per the history, it looks like it is getting difficult to manage with Warfarin. Warfarin is notorious in terms of interacting with many other drugs and thereby it is difficult to achieve the target therapeutic level. So, now newer oral anticoagulants are used with... Read Full
What are the chances of bleeding from a sudden blow if I am on blood thinners?
Query: Hello doctor, I am on warfarin for life. Yesterday, while I was working in my house, I knocked the upper back part of my head on the marble roof of the window pane. It was neither a hard blow nor a soft one. It was medium. I did not feel any pain. I did not have any blackout but was stunned for two... Read Full >>
Neuro Surgeon
Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. Firstly, I would like to know the indication for which you were prescribed Warfarin. Secondly, 3.73 is a higher INR (international normalized ratio) than normally desired which usually is between 2 to 2.5 or 2.5 to 3 according to indications, in most of the cases. Now,... Read Full
Cetirizine and Paracetamol for Fever
Query: Hi doctor, When I have the fever, can I take Cetirizine in the morning and then Paracetamol in the afternoon? Read Full >>
Family Physician
Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. You mentioned that you have the fever. You can use Paracetamol. You can take it up to three times a day and can stop if your temperature comes down. Now, coming to Cetirizine, it is used for allergy, cold, etc. If you are having a flu type of fever, that is, fever with... Read Full
Popular
Ask your health query to a doctor online?
Ask a Geriatrician Now* guaranteed answer within 4 hours.