Bristol-Myers Squibb announced that the sale and distribution of all strengths of Coumadin (Warfarin Sodium) tablets will be discontinued in the United States, Canada, Latin America, and Saudi Arabia, due to an unexpected manufacturing issue. It will begin on June 1, 2020 . Original source: https://www.bms.com/assets/bms/ca/documents/productmonograph/CANADA-Coumadin-deletion_D-HCP-Communication_FINAL_EN_04.23.2020.pdf
COUMADIN (warfarin sodium) is a prescription medication that interferes with normal blood clotting (coagulation). It is also called an anticoagulant.
Millions of people depend on anticoagulants – also known as “blood thinners” – to prevent life-threatening blood clots. While these medications do not actually “thin” the blood, they do slow the body’s ability to form dangerous blood clots, such as blood clots in the arms or legs (deep vein thrombosis or DVT) and blood clots in the lungs (pulmonary embolism or PE).
Stopping blood thinners
can increase your risk for blood clots, due to the underlying risk factor(s)
for which your blood thinner was originally prescribed. These bleeding and
clotting risks can be complicated for your healthcare providers to manage.
For patients currently using Coumadin® (warfarin sodium) tablets, healthcare providers will be required to consider alternatives. Prescribing an alternate product is the clinical decision of the healthcare professional in consultation with the patient.
The generic version of Coumadin® is one option. Even though generic warfarin and brand name Coumadin® are considered interchangeable, your health care provider may want you to have your levels checked when making a change like this. Therefore, it is important to have this discussion with your healthcare team.
In Canada, therapeutic alternatives, including generics, are available. Please check the following information.
Generic Product
Brand name in the US: Coumadin
Generic name: Warfarin Sodium
Product of Canada – Manufactured by various generic manufacturers
Strengths: 1mg, 2mg, 2.5mg, 3mg, 4mg, 5mg, 6mg, 7mg, 7.5mg, 10mg
Dosage form: Tablet
This article is sponsored by CanadaOnlineHealth. If you have questions about your prescription medications or any other medication, please contact our team at CanadaOnlineHealth by calling toll free 1-800-399-3784 . One of our patient representatives will be happy to assist you or transfer you to a licensed Canadian pharmacist for a free consultation.
This article contains medical information provided to help you better understand this particular medical condition or process, and may contain information about medication often used as part of a treatment plan prescribed by a doctor. It is not intended to be used as either a diagnosis or recommendation for treatment of your particular medical situation. If you are unwell, concerned about your physical or mental state, or are experiencing symptoms you should speak with your doctor or primary health care provider. If you are in medical distress please contact emergency services (such as 911).
Reference:
Why? I’ve been using Coumadin brand for 18 years. Why are your discontinuing?
Coumadin is being discontinued in the US, Canada, Latin America and Saudi Arabia due to an unexpected manufacturing issue that cannot be resolved. It is not the result of any quality, safety or efficacy issue regarding the product. Please see the following link from the manufacturer.
https://www.bms.com/assets/bms/ca/documents/productmonograph/CANADA-Coumadin-deletion_D-HCP-Communication_FINAL_EN_04.23.2020.pdf
Coumadin is still available in other countries. CanadaOnlineHealth offers brand name Coumadin 1mg, 2mg, and 5mg, manufactured by Sigma Pharma from New Zealand. (Sigma Pharma acquired Coumadin from Bristol Myers Squibb)
how can I purchase coumadin
Hi Marsha, you can contact our team directly at 1-800-399-DRUG (3784) or use the chat bottom on the bottom right of your screen. We will be happy to assist you. Thank you
Is it because you don’t make enough money off of it???
My son has taken Coumadin for 24 years and was told not to take warfarin. What will he take now????
Warfarin is actually the active ingredient in Coumadin. There are several generic warfarin products available. Generic drugs are supposed to have the same dosage, therapeutic effects, route of administration, side effects, and strength as the original drug. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration requires that all generic drugs be as safe and effective as brand-name drugs. However, when switching from Coumadin to a generic warfarin, it is important to get more frequent INR testing to ensure an appropriate target range.
CanadaonlineHealth offers brand name Coumadin from New Zealand and Australia manufactured by Aspen pharmaceuticals, as well as, brand name Coumadin from Turkey, manufactured by Sanofi. These products are not generic medications. They are brand name, contain the same active ingredient (warfarin) and are considered equivalent to the brand name Coumadin, manufactured by Bristol Myers Squibb. However, they are not identical. Once again, when switching from one brand of Coumadin to another it is important to get more frequent INR testing to ensure the appropriate target range.
Another alternative to Coumadin is the direct-acting oral anticoagulants, such as Pradaxa, Eliquis and Xarelto. However, there are certain conditions and indications where Coumadin (warfarin) is the preferred choice. Thus, it would be recommended to discuss these options with your son’s physician.
What are you replacing it with? I cannot take the generic brand because it makes me light headed and dizzy.
Coumadin manufactured by Bristol Myers Squibb has been discontinued. CanadaonlineHealth offers brand name Coumadin from New Zealand and Australia manufactured by Aspen pharmaceuticals, as well as, brand name Coumadin from Turkey, manufactured by Sanofi. These products are not generic medications. They are brand name, contain the same active ingredient (warfarin) and are considered equivalent to the brand name Coumadin, manufactured by Bristol Myers Squibb. However, they are not identical. In any case, whenever a different brand or generic of warfarin is initiated, it is important to get more frequent INR testing to ensure an appropriate target range.
Direct-acting oral anticoagulants, such as Pradaxa, Eliquis, and Xarelto may be another option to Coumadin, depending on the indication and your medical history.
It would be recommended to discuss these alternatives with your physician.
Please note if there are any supplies of brand-name Coumadin available through your pharmacies. My Mom has taken only branded Coumadin since 1984 and this is devastating news to hear of the discontinuation. My Father passed away last year…I work in the hospital taking care of Covid+ patients. I need to ensure my Mom is ok and the horrible generics are not an option.
Thank you for your assistance!
Debra P
we were told to never take Warfarin by my husband’s first cardiologist. He was on Coumadin and did well for all the years before and after he had a damaged valve repaired. He has lost weight and has bad places on his body and now has to have vascular surgery due to poor flow to his legs even though at 84 he is very active. This has happened since he was put on warfarin. How do U.S. citizens get this other Coumadin you are recommending?