I have my first real cold since my AVR!

[Terry45]

What a pain in the butt this has been. Coughing, runny nose, sneezing. I'm six months post op and this is the first time I've really gotten sick. Seems like you cannot take most OTC cold medicines if you tale warfarin. What do most of you take for cough, colds, and flu?

 

[epstns]

I'm no longer taking warfarin (only needed for the first 3 months after tissue valve), but my cardio suggests Mucinex (or generic guaifenisen). This is not really a decongestant -- it loosens the glop in your sinuses and allows you to cough it out. No side effects for me, but I don't know if it affects INR.

 

[marc_kowal]

Coricidin and Mucinex will be your best friends. Unfortunately, most people w/ heart related issues are told to stay away from deongestants due to their blood pressure raising side-effects. Good luck and get well!