SINTROM

This medicine contains the active ingredient Acenocoumarol. Acenocoumarol is an anti-thrombotic agent or anti-coagulant. These medicines increase the time your blood needs to clot. It is prescribed for the patients who already have formed clot in the blood, or are at risk of having the clot. Conditions that cause this happening are, for example, atrial fibrillation (fast, irregular heart beating), or heart valve replacement. Acenocoumarol also prevents any clots from becoming bigger. If not treated, blood clots can cause stroke or heart attack by blocking the blood vessel.

Is Acenocoumarol suitable for me?

Acenocoumarol is not suitable for everyone. Do not use it

• if you are allergic to acenocoumarol, any other of the ingredients of this medicine
• if you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant or breastfeeding
• if you are an alcoholic
• if you have any mental illness
• if you are planning some major surgery
• if you have had a stroke caused by bleeding into your brain
• if you have very high blood pressure
• if you have a stomach ulcer or any intestinal bleeding
• if you pass blood in your water or cough up blood
• if you suffer from any bleeding disorders, bleeding problems or unexplained bruising
• if you have pericarditis or endocarditis

In particular, you must tell the doctor if you:

• are pregnant, trying to get pregnant or breastfeeding
• have cuts or wounds
• have a stomach ulcer, or if you have had surgery recently, or if you have recently had a stroke
• have any problems with your liver or kidneys
•  have cancer
• have an infection or inflammation (swelling)
• have heart failure
• have an overactive thyroid
• are elderly
• suffer from a blood disorder such as protein C or protein S deficiency

Acenocoumarol interacts with other medicines. It is most important that you tell the doctor all the medications and herbal supplements that you are currently taking.

See the package leaflet for a complete list of possible contraindications and warnings.

How should I take Acenocoumarol?

This medicine is available in form of a tablet.

You should take Acenocoumarol exactly as instructed by your doctor or pharmacist. It is usually taken once a day, same time every day. The usual dose is between 1 and 8 mg per day. Do not use more of it, do not use it more often, or do not use it for a longer time than your doctor ordered. Also, this medicine works best if there is steady amount in the blood. To help keep this amount constant, do not miss any doses and take the medicine at the same time each day. Treatments usually last from six weeks to three months, but some last longer.  Read the information leaflet provided with your medication for additional information. Talk to your doctor if you have any additional questions.

What are Acenocoumarol side effects?

Like all medicines Acenocoumarol can cause side effects, including:

Common side-effects:

• Unusual bleeding or bruising,
• blood in your urine or stools  
• loss of appetite
• feeling or being sick
• skin rashes
• itching
• unexplained fever
• hair loss

Rare side-effects:

• red patches on the skin or bruising
• vasculitis (inflammation of the blood vessels)
• liver damage
• allergic reaction such as skin rash
• dizziness
• severe headache
• joint pain or stiffness
• blurred sight

Consult a doctor if the side effects are severe. See the package leaflet for a complete list of side effects.