Changing fom Warfarin: Can anyone tell... - Anticoagulation S...

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Changing fom Warfarin

nossib profile image
21 Replies

Can anyone tell me if , after being on warfarin for 7 years, is it possibl to change to one of the new blood thinners, in safety?

I am so weary, with all my other health issues, of having to monitor everything I eat and the monthly, often fortnightly blood tests.

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nossib profile image
nossib
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21 Replies
MazzyB profile image
MazzyB

I’m on warfarin and sometimes I have to go every week for INR but on the whole I’m ok with it! Really hope you get sorted.

nossib profile image
nossib in reply to MazzyB

Yes, MazzyB, in the main I've been ok on warfarin and reading some of the side effects of the new anticoagulants I am wary but I so want to visit my daughter in Scotland and being on wafain with having to have INR checks and probbly having to hire a machine and take them myself but would still need to know what dose to take, makes it a lot more awkward for me.

The UK no longer does a reciprocal health arrangement with New Zealand.

MazzyB profile image
MazzyB in reply to nossib

Aww I understand! Really can’t think what to suggest! Hope you get sorted.

cheritorrox profile image
cheritorrox in reply to nossib

You should get advice from your doctor e.g can you set up to email them if INR changes significantly so they adjust the dosage? Guess in part it depends how stable you are at the mo but think you're right that you'd have to test while away

No harm in asking about the new drugs!

Smythian profile image
Smythian

Yes, providing that your INR is stable, no issues at all with making the switch to one on the new Anticoagulation meds.

I would suggest Apixaban as I have been taking this medication for the past five years with no side effects, apart from occasional itchy legs!

There is a higher risk of an internal bleed with Rivaroxabin.

Good luck! 👍

nossib profile image
nossib in reply to Smythian

Thank you Smythian. It's always good to have feedback from others here as well as consulting with my pulmonologist.

Hi there,

Have you considered getting your own device and doing the INR tests in the comfort of your own home. If you go online to the Coaguchek XS website it'll give you all the info. I've been doing this for 10 years, even take my device on holiday, even to Australia.

John

Cerinboo60 profile image
Cerinboo60 in reply to

Hi, I'm on warfarin and have my own machine. It gives me freedom to visit or holiday without worry. I liase with anticoag clinic by phone or email who arrange my dosage and sort any issues.

in reply to Cerinboo60

That's exactly right, that's what I do. Way to go. :-)

nossib profile image
nossib in reply to

Thank you carneuny & Cerinboo60, are the machines very expensive? I am in New Zealand.

in reply to nossib

Well here in UK Roche used to do a deal. Don't know if they still do. Basically, they are £300 however, Roche had an interest free purchase plan.

Suggest you go online and see if Roche are represented in NZ. I would imagine they are. Alternatively, Google Coaguchek XS and see if it takes you to Roche.

John

Tofino5 profile image
Tofino5

I was on warfarin for 10 1/2 years, then changed to apixiban a bit over 2 years ago. It is wonderful, my very severe migraines were finally brought under control - they were a side effect of warfarin.

Also had a very unstable INR, so I was testing 2 or 3 times a month at the lab. Self-testing wasn't an option for me. Being able to eat in a more healthy way, with more greens etc, is a big bonus. As are no more black and blue hands from lab draws (no good veins in arms).

There is a reversal agent.

Talk to your doc. We're all different.

Best of luck!

nossib profile image
nossib in reply to Tofino5

Thank you. I would love to eat those vegetables again too! Not have to worry about the testing, although then I may always wonder if my INR is alright. :(

Clarr profile image
Clarr

Hi nossib,

Yes it is very possible to change to one of the newer blood thinners(anticoagulants) .

Just ask your GP or cardiologist.

Don't change before first clearing it with your doctor as some people are very prone to bad bleeds or old age may be a prohibitive factor.

I'm sure that won't be a problem in your case.

Your doctor will check you out to see that you can safely change over.

The newer drugs don't require monitoring.

nossib profile image
nossib in reply to Clarr

Yes, I need to contact my pulmonologist. I did ask him about 3 years back but he wasn't inclined to change me. I on't consider myself 'old age' lol but I am in my late sixties, just haven't looked it....my profile photo is 7 years old.

mrsredboots profile image
mrsredboots

I'm sure you'd be able to - go and talk to your GP about it.

Suebo2 profile image
Suebo2Moderator

The new tablets are SOoooo much safer than warfarin. This is a positive step.

Please email me your questions. I have swapped about 3000 patients from warfarin

nossib profile image
nossib in reply to Suebo2

Thank you Suebo2. I will get back to you soon.

blieskastel42 profile image
blieskastel42

Hello,I was on Wafarin for a numbero years and did weekly INR self testing and I was quite happy with it.Just a while ago my GP suggested that I should go on to one of the newer Drugs.I was put on to Edoxaban and have been on it now for just over a month.The switch did not cause me any negative side effects.All is well.No weekly INR blood tests anymore and not having to buy the expensive Roche test strips.

higgy52 profile image
higgy52

i was on warfarin for 4 years it was a pain going to get tested every week or two, and watching what i eat,

so i am now on rivabraxaban and can eat what i like and no INR tests, and no side affects so far

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