Anisindione (patient information)

IMPORTANT WARNING

Anisindione is no longer available in the U.S. If you are currently taking anisindione, you should call your doctor to discuss switching to another treatment.

Why this medication is prescribed

Anisindione is used to prevent blood clots from forming or growing larger. It is often prescribed for patients with certain types of irregular heartbeats and after a heart attack or heart valve replacement surgery. It works by stopping the formation of substances that cause clots.

This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

How this medication should be used

Anisindione comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It usually is taken once a day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take anisindione exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Continue to take anisindione even if you feel well. Do not stop taking anisindione without talking to your doctor.

Special precautions

Before taking anisindione:

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to anisindione, aspirin, tartrazine (a yellow dye in some medications and processed foods), or any other drugs.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially other heart medications, antibiotics, aspirin, cimetidine (Tagamet), medications for high cholesterol, and vitamins.
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had a stroke, kidney or liver disease, high blood pressure, a thyroid condition, diabetes, tuberculosis, a bleeding disorder, ulcers, leukemia, vitamin C deficiency, colostomy bag, or intestinal disease.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking anisindione, call your doctor.
• if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking anisindione. Your doctor may tell you to stop taking anisindione 3 days before your procedure. Follow these directions.
• ask your doctor about the safe use of alcohol while you are taking anisindione.

Special dietary instructions

Do not increase your consumption of foods containing vitamin K, such as liver, green leafy vegetables, broccoli, and cauliflower, without discussing your diet with your doctor.

What to do if you forget a dose

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. Record the date of the missed dose and tell your doctor at your next visit, since missing a dose of anisindione may alter your blood clotting tests. If you miss doses for 2 or more days, call your doctor immediately.

Side Effects

Minor Side Effects

Although side effects from anisindione are not common, they can occur. Anisindione may turn your urine orange; this effect is harmless. If you think your urine contains blood, call your doctor immediately. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• headache
• upset stomach
• diarrhea
• fever
• skin rash

Severe Side Effects

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

• unusual bleeding or bruising
• black or bloody stools
• blood in urine
• tiredness
• unexplained fever
• chills
• sore throat
• stomach pain

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/MedWatch/report.htm] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].

Storage conditions needed for this medication

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

In case of emergency/overdose

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

Other information

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your response to anisindione.

Anisindione prevents blood from clotting so it may take longer than usual for you to stop bleeding if you are cut or injured. Avoid activities that have a high risk of causing injury. Call your doctor if bleeding is unusual.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

Brand names

• Miradon®