Warfarin or NOAC?

[joebob]

My cardiologist has written to my doctor requesting I be switched from warfarin to a NOAC. Mainly because the INR tests are very inconvenient as I need to leave work about an hour early to get to my doctors before they close.

Has anyone switched from one to the other? Were there any side effects when switching? What have you found the pro's and con's to be?

I know I'm posting a lot on here the past few days, but I'm trying to find the answers which I don't get from my GP or heart specialist!

Thanks again.

[meadfoot]

Post as often as you want Joebob we are all here to help each other. Not taken warfarin I went from aspirin to Rivaoxaban. Not had any side effects to date over two years of using it.

Hope you find the one best for you.

Dee

[MammaCass]

I went from warfarin to Rivaroxaban just over a month ago, no adverse reactions, it's so easy one pill in the morning with food and it's done. No worrying about greens or alcohol affecting your blood. I'm so pleased to have made the switch.

[Mamamarilyn]

Switched from Warfarin to Pradaxa about five months ago because my INR never really stabilised on Warf. The switch has been hassle-free and it's nice not having to think about eating too many greens, which I love!! I take a tablet every 12 hours and the tests they have done to monitor the switch have all been fine.

[Mamamarilyn in reply to Mamamarilyn]

Sorry, I forgot to add that the tests they do are to check on kidney and liver function.

[rosyG]

I have found Apixaban to be great! It has to be taken twice daily at set times but it's great not to worry about food content and INR

[rosyG]

PS meant to say, switch over was easy

[pmd1301]

I had Been on warfarin since 2009, but changed to Rivaroxaban last November,I have had no problems since. My inr was never level due to constantly having antibiotics for chest infections. When cardiology did the maths I had only 30% successful results so was never totally covered. Best thing I did was swap. All the best

[AnticoagulateNow]

Warfarin to apixaban about 8 months ago. It's just so easy. However, you do need a reliable mechanism/system in place to ensure you take your tablets on time - in my case twice a day. While you can afford to be 'fairly flexible' about when you take warfarin as it is so slow acting, NOACs, particularly the 12-hour ones (dabigatran and apixaban), must be taken on time to ensure maximum stroke protection. I have a wrist watch with a dual alarm and unlike so many watch alarms, this one is audible. You could do the same with a mobile phone of course providing it is always with you.

[joebob in reply to AnticoagulateNow]

I have a pebble smartwatch which has a great alarm function. It also tracks your sleep patterns and steps per day, a bit like fitbit.

I like the sound of the once daily meds as I have a weekday pill box and measure out my tablets. I don't have the best memory so it's easy to see if I missed a day (doesn't happen very often, thank goodness!).

[Barb1]

I was on a NOAC but then had to go back on warfarin before an ablation. Still on warfarin at least another 6 mths. After that would like to go back ona NOAC but if I have another procedure then its back on warfarin. Also have to have a TOE before changing and then another one after 6 mths. Cos I had a blood clot form during the change over before. But I am a great NOAC fan

[joebob]

Just been and seen my GP who prescribed me Rivaroxaban. I have to wait until my next INR check on Friday, to ensure its below 3, before I can start.

Both my INR nurse and my GP made sure they explained that there is no antidote though - not sure whether I should be concerned about that or not?

[sann]

Hi there I went from warfarin to NOAGS with no problems at all Sann