Why does a patient who had a thrombotic incident receive both heparin and coumadin for 4-5 days before heparin is discontinued?

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Coumadin (warfarin) works by blocking vitamin K-dependent coagulation factors, which takes several days to reach full effect due to the half-life of these factors. Heparin, on the other hand, works immediately by inhibiting clotting factor activation. Therefore, patients receive both heparin and Coumadin for 4-5 days before heparin is discontinued, allowing enough time for Coumadin to reach its full effect and maintain anticoagulation without heparin. This initial overlap also helps prevent rebound clotting or thrombosis as heparin is being discontinued.

Why Does a Patient Who Had a Thrombotic Incident Receive