Is Phenprocoumon the Drug For You?

It is crucial to get treated for heart attacks or angina. The post-treatment after surgery or an episode is equally important. Bypass surgery of the heart or a heart attack can cause abnormal blood clotting, known as thrombophilia or thromboembolism. Thromboembolism occurs when blood clots displaced from another site in the circulatory system block or obstruct the blood vessel.

There are two types; deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE). Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) occurs when a blood clot forms in a deep vein, usually in the lower leg, thigh, or pelvis. Pulmonary embolism (PE) occurs when a blood clot breaks loose and travels through the bloodstream to the lungs. The risk of developing thromboembolism is highest after complex surgery, severe injury, or during infections and inflammation. Drugs like anticoagulants are indicated following initial thrombosis to decrease the risk of recurrence or extension, or death in some cases. The doctors prescribe drugs like Phenprocoumon followed by Warfarin as an anticoagulant for treatment and prevention of blood clots.

What is Phenprocoumon?

Phenprocoumon is beneficial in the treatment and prophylaxis of thromboembolic disorders.  It is a blood thinner.  A coumarin anticoagulant thins the blood by antagonizing vitamin K.  Vitamin K is needed to produce the clotting factors in the liver. Phenprocoumon does not directly affect the clot or thrombus, but it prevents its further extension and any severe complications that could be fatal.

What is Phenprocoumon given for?

The doctors prescribe Phenprocoumon to prevent unwanted clots in the following conditions
•    After a heart bypass surgery
•    After myocardial infarction
•    In the case of Atrial fibrillation (abnormal heart rhythm)

It is prescribed for the following too,

•    In a condition of heart valve replacement
•    To prevent any extensions of the clots; that may have been formed already in the blood vessels of the legs, lungs, or, heart.

Precautions Before taking Phenprocoumon

Before starting the Phenprocoumon therapy, it is important to discuss the medical history with the doctor. Phenprocoumon is known to interact with many other medications, so inform your doctor about the following

•    Any allergic reaction you have to medicine.
•    You have high blood pressure
•    You are Diabetic
•    You are using any other medicines (Prescription of herbal and complementary drugs)
•    You are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding.
•    You have wounds or cuts.
•    Conditions like stomach ulcers increase the risk of bleeding.
•    Any recent surgery
•    Have had a stroke
•    Have a kidney and liver problem

It is also crucial to note that Phenprocoumon has significant interactions with food and other medicines. It may reduce the efficacy of the drug and, in some cases cause unwanted side effects. Avoid herbs and supplements with anticoagulant/antiplatelet activity. Avoid processed foods. Also, remember to exercise caution with grapefruit products. Avoid vegetables rich in Vitamin K, like broccoli and spinach, as they may impact coagulation.

How to take Phenprocoumon?

Since Phenprocoumon is a prescription-only drug, you are required to take it exactly the way your doctor has told you to take it. Your doctor will tell you how many tablets to take for each dose. Sometimes it is advised to be taken for six weeks or three months, on a long-term basis. Dosing differs from person to person. It is based on the response, age, and medical condition of the patient. It has to be taken orally by mouth. You can take it with or without food, as suggested by your doctor. If you miss the dose do not take the due dose in a single day. You can continue with the next dose at the decided time. Remember to tell your doctor about any skipped dose when you meet him. Never alter the doses on your own. Always consult your doctor if you have anything in mind. Continue to take Phenprocoumon tablets regularly until your doctor tells you to stop.

How is it available in the market?

Phenprocoumon is available in tablet form. You can find it under the below brand names in the market. It is supposed to be taken under medical supervision only.

Some brand names of Phenprocoumon are

•    Marcoumar (Mylan EPD)
•    Marcumar (MEDA Pharma)
•    Falithrom (Laboratorios Farmacéuticos Rovi)

Side effects of Phenprocoumon

Every drug has some unwanted or adverse effect along with the desired effect that it gives. Most of these unwanted side effects get better with time and do not require any medical attention. In case you feel that the side effects experienced by you are not mild, you must discuss it with your doctor immediately.

Some Common side effects seen with Phenprocoumon are:

Bleeding in any organ (that is the most common adverse effect of Phenprocoumon) It occurs in 5–25% of patients and ranges from harmless nosebleeds to life-threatening bleeding in the brain, gut wall, adrenal glands, pleural cavity, pericardium, or subdural space.

Other side effects could be

•    Calciphylaxis
•    Headache and nausea
•    Reversible hair loss
•    Purple toe syndrome
•    Allergic rashes

You must discuss with your doctor, any problem you may be facing on taking Phenprocoumon. 

So, is Phenprocoumon the correct drug for you?

That is the most vital question. You may think that a particular medicine should give you relief, but that may not be true in all cases. Each individual is different and reacts differently to the same medicine. A certain drug may provide immediate relief to one person but not be effective for another. The genes of an individual have an important role to play. Genes impact the efficacy of drugs. They also decide the reaction your body has toward these drugs. It is hence crucial to know if the drug you consume is suitable for your unique genes. Indus Health Plus has now made it possible to exactly know the drug that would be most suitable for you.

The MEDNAwise is a revolutionary product that helps you know the response of your body to 70+ drugs, across varied medical specialties. MEDNAwise is a pharmacogenetic test that helps doctors find the drug that would be the perfect match for your health issue. You would know for sure if Phenprocoumon would yield the desired effects.  The advantage of MEDNAwise pharmacogenetic testing is that by knowing which drug would give the optimum results, the doctors can then, efficiently and effectively treat the disease. The recovery speed is better, and the disease can be treated before it aggravates. MEDNAwise is a game changer, the results of this test are helpful for future medical problems and help in medical emergencies. Since you and the doctor would already know the best-suited drug, treatment is faster. Life events demand priority, and it is time you made your health a priority with the MEDNAWise test!

MEDNAwise is an easy-to-take saliva test. It can be done from the comfort of your home, and in a few minutes. After the results, the genetic counsellors are ready to help you with further plans of action.  It is the best time to take charge of your health and make the most of the era of personalized medicines and therapy. Do not be caught off guard! Take charge of your life and change it for the better.