Saturday, May 26, 2012

Wednesday, December 10, 2008 Mary Ann asks

Q: Is there a side effect when taking Lovaza and Coumadin

I have been taking Coumadin for about a year.  Recently diagnosed with 254 cholesterol; thus, I am now taking Lovaza to help lower cholesterol.  I read that you should NOT take this med if you are on Coumadin.  May I have your opinion?  Thanks.  Mary Ann

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Answers (3)
Jill, Health Pro
12/11/08 9:46pm

Hi Mary Ann,

There is a potential interaction between Coumadin and Lovaza. Adding Lovaza, especially doses higher then 1 gram per day, may increase your INR, making you more prone to bleeding. This isn't to say that patients who take Coumadin can't take Lovaza. All this means is that you should make sure your doctor is aware that you are on both medications, and at least when you are starting Lovaza therapy, you should have your INR checked a little more frequently then you might be doing now. If your INR does increase when you start taking Lovaza, your doctor might just lower your Coumadin dose a little. That being said, I don't think you should be afraid of taking Lovaza with your Coumadin, just make sure your doctor is aware that you are taking both medications.

Thanks for your question!

Jill

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9/13/09 11:19pm

I HAVE BEEN TAKING COUMADIN FOR 4 YRS. AND NOW I AM TAKING LOVAZA TO LOWER CHOLESTEROL. I READ THAT I SHOULD NOT TAKE THEM TOGETHER. WHAT IS YOUR OPINION?

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9/13/09 11:30pm

I HAVE BEEN ON COUMADIN FOR 4 YRS. AND MY INTERNIST PRESCRIBED LOVAZA TO LOWER MY CHOLESTEROL. HOWEVER, I READ THAT THE TWO TAKEN TOGETHER HAVE SERIOUS SIDE EFFECTS. I AM ALSO ON LEVOTHROID AND ATENONAL WHICH I BELIEVE HAVE SIDE EFFECTS WITH LOVAZA. SHOULD I STAY ON THIS MEDICATION? THANKS-LOIS

 

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By Mary Ann— Last Modified: 12/25/10, First Published: 12/10/08