Drug Interaction

My story is not about me…it’s about my Dad, who died on 4/25/03. On 4/18/03, he walked into an ER in SE Oklahoma, complaining of breathing difficulties. Home Medications: Zithromax (for his bronchitis) & Coumadin (for irregular heartbeat). These drugs were noted on admission chart. (I believe if the ER physician would have performed that initial PT/INR that day, results would have indicated his breathing difficulties were a result of the Zithromax-Coumadin drug interaction.) However, for the entire hospitalization period, his physician ordered no coagulation testing. New drugs were administered, including Levaquin, Ativan, Phenergan, etc. — no testing…even though the hospital’s own website states the importance of close PT/INR monitoring when these drugs are given to anyone being prescribed Coumadin.

To make a long story short, on my Dad’s 7th hospital day, he developed a bleed, which resulted in his death on the 8th day. His INR was 70, his PT was 100, critical levels.

I requested a copy of the chart upon his death, as his physician had advised he died of COPD…my Dad had never even been on home oxygen…ever. Chart told the true story…my Dad required blood several days before he died…none was given. His BUN was severely elevated days before he died indicating kidney failure…no one noticed…labwork results were never reviewed. My Dad bled to death from lack of monitoring.

It was a week from hell for my Dad, and for our family.

If you have loved ones on Coumadin, please make sure that during hospital stay…ASK IF STAFF IS MONITORING COAGULATION. Don’t take it for granted that these professionals are doing their job, because it was obvious in my Dad’s case, they failed miserably.

Hopefully, this message will be a reminder to others to ASK QUESTIONS. REMIND HOSPITAL STAFF WHEN COUMADIN IS INVOLVED. ASK ABOUT POSSIBLE DRUG INTERACTIONS BETWEEN COUMADIN AND OTHER DRUGS ADMINISTERED TO YOUR LOVED ONES.

I just wish I had it to do over again.

Thanks,

Sharon W.