Got diagnosed today with AF so had a blood test for Warfarin so how long do I wait between blood test and taking the medicine?

[12gettingthere]

[CDreamer]

Hi and welcome to the forum I am afraid I can't answer your question because I am not on Warfarin but I am sure someone will know and get back to you. It is good to know that you have been prescribed anticoagulant on diagnosis, I am sure that you will have been told that it will protect you from stroke which is the main risk for us AFibbers. Best wishes

[Beancounter Volunteer]

Hi Getting there and welcome

OK so today you were diagnosed, and they have said that you should go on warfarin which is great news.

They gave you an INR test which was 1 of course and did they give you any warfarin at the clinic?, and tell you what dosage to take?

If so, then take it tonight and then every night/evening until your next blood test, if not you will attend an anti-coag clinic and they will give you all the spiel and some intial drugs to get you going until your doctor prescribes.

Good luck and we are here if you have any questions

Ian

[BobD Volunteer]

I'm not sure I understand your question. Normally you will be given an amount of warfarin to take and your INR (how quickly your blood clots) would be checked a couple of days later. Your dose would be changed until you reach a stable level in the required range, for example between 2 and 3 . Your would then have regular blood tests either by needle in the arm or by finger prick depending on the test centre and your INR monitored to ensure that you stay in range. Some people manage this quite easily (I'm one of them) whilst others struggle to maintain a level reading. Please note that the amount of warfarin you take is not important, rather the results on your INR. Since we are all different we can never tell what dose you might end up on. Some are on as little as 2 mgs whilst other up at 14mgs per day.. I'm sure you will be told that diet is important and that you should aim for a regular diet without binging on green vegetables as vitamin K changes the readings. Steady as you go is the motto.

There is an excellent fact sheet on warfarin available for download on the main AFA website.

Bob

[Rellim296]

Welcome to the world of AF. I've found the medical profession hugely supportive and helpful - have spent a lot of time at my GP surgery and this forum is a wonderful source of imformation.

I'm not at all fond of warfarin and have struggled to get into and stay in therapeutic range, but it it does provide a great sense of security when your heart is as silly as mine was yesterday.

I was given an information pack and a yellow booklet when I had my first INR test and was instructed to take the first dose at 6pm that evening.

I was also told that even if your INR is below 2, you do have some protection from a stroke, so the benefits start right away.

Good luck!

[RobertELee]

I'm guessing you have been diagnosed and told you are going on to warfarin but haven't yet attended the warfarin clinic? You should get an appointment fairly quickly - week or two at the most. There you will be briefed - as explained in the posts above - issued your yellow book and given your first prescription. Twice weekly blood tests will follow until you are in therapeutic range (officially 2 to 3, less officially 2.5 to 3.5). How long that takes varies from person to person but it does settle down and blood tests become less frequent. Welcome to the club.

[Hidden]

Hi and welcome... First thing is the tutorial (our warfarin nurse runs through the whole thing with you and has a checklist she ticks off when she's sure you know all the details). The surgery was so keen for this to happen they wouldn't issue the prescription until that was done. You should be told very clearly when to take your first tablet(s) because they will want to test you a couple of days later to see what it's done for your INR. If you're not sure about anything just ring your surgery and ask to speak to someone and they will tell you what the procedure is, I'm sure

[mumknowsbest Volunteer]

Just to add my welcome, don't have anything else to add

Eileen

[12gettingthere]

Many thanks everyone Leelec got it right my question was a bit muddled! sorry about that, just got diagnosed and was sent for blood tests at the hospital yesterday, the Consultant told me I need to go on Warfarin quickly but didn't tell me anything else so just wasn't sure how safe I am right now and how long between blood tests and being prescribed the meds....a bit anxious really as I lost my Dad to a stroke when he was relatively young, nice to be able to discuss it here thank goodness thanks again.