Swedish Hospital Pharmacy

For convenient access to prescription medications and over-the-counter products, Swedish Hospital offers two pharmacies on our hospital campus. The pharmacy accepts most insurance plans and prescription cards.

Pharmacy Hours & Locations

Galter Medical Pavilion Pharmacy

773-989-3980

Foster Medical Pavilion Pharmacy

773-989-6280

Thrombosis & Anticoagulation Unit at Swedish Hospital (TAU SW)

The Warfarin (Coumadin®) clinic at Swedish Hospital has been providing care for patients on anticoagulation therapy since 2013. Led by a team of experienced medical professionals, the hospital’s thrombosis and anticoagulation unit is a collaborative effort between pharmacists, physicians, nurses and other members of a patient’s care team. A specialized clinical pharmacist monitors and adjusts doses of warfarin or other anticoagulants. The clinic’s mission is to provide excellent, comprehensive, and compassionate care to patients who require anticoagulation therapy.

Warfarin is primarily used to prevent a condition called thrombosis—the formation of blood clots within a patient’s blood vessels. It is a vital medication for some, since blood clots can lead to a heart attack or stroke. Your doctor may prescribe warfarin if you have had a heart valve replacement, a recent heart attack or a heart rhythm condition called atrial fibrillation, since these conditions raise your risk of developing blood clots.

Warfarin helps reduce your risk of developing blood clots by “thinning” the blood, allowing it to flow smoothly through your body. As important as they are, blood thinners are considered high-risk because they can lead to severe side effects. If the blood becomes too thin, your risk for excessive bleeding goes up. If the blood becomes too thick, your risk of clots goes up. It is VERY important that you keep your appointments and get your INR checked regularly. It is advised that people taking warfarin do not engage in contact sports or other activities that may lead to bleeding.

Like all medications, it is important that you only take warfarin under the direction of an experienced medical professional.

Appointments

Your provider will refer you to the clinic based on your health history and medication use. The thrombosis and anticoagulation unit provides a streamlined, convenient way for patients to have their medication use managed by a collaborative team of experts. It is located in the Foster Medical Pavilion pharmacy.

Once you arrive, a pharmacist will check the thinness of your blood using a quick finger stick test—results generally come back in less than a minute. The pharmacist will also schedule regular visits for the duration of your time on warfarin. To schedule your initial appointment, call 773-878-8200 ext. (8262). At the end of each visit, a follow-up appointment is scheduled with the Clinical Pharmacist.

Once you arrive, a pharmacist will check the thinness of your blood using a quick finger stick test—results generally come back in less than a minute. The pharmacist will also schedule regular visits for the duration of your time on Coumadin.

What should I expect during my visit?

At each visit, you will have your INR measured with a finger-stick (if applicable). The clinical pharmacist will review your INR result, ask medication related questions, review upcoming appointments and procedures, provide drug therapy education, and answer any questions you have. A schedule of how you will take your warfarin or other anticoagulants will be provided and a follow-up appointment will be scheduled. Prescription refills for your warfarin or other anticoagulant will be provided.

Information about your anticoagulation therapy, including your INR, recent blood work, and information discussed during your visit is documented in the medical record and shared with your providers. Should there be a significant change in your therapy, INR, or an emergency occurs, your provider will be contacted as soon as possible.

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