[dubie1]

Has anyone heard of swelling of the hands as a side-effect of coumadin. My 81 yr old father started taking it for atrial fibrulation and shortly afterwards noticed that his hands started swelling and it has gone into his arms to some extent, so that he is not able to wear a watch. He is also having trouble gripping things. Apparently his doctor is not concerned about it.

[pharmd06]

due to the increased risk of bleeding it is possible to get what is called acute compartment syndrome while on warfarin. this would be bleeding under the skin that cannot be seen but swelling is evident. this can press on nerves and cause function problems of hand. it is usually only if trauma occurs. and would only be on one side if the trauma was on that side.

however, i don't think this is the case. it sounds more like edema due to heart failure which is common in persons of that age and should be managed by the doc.