Low INR level

[Bernie13]

Hi,

I am in hospital I still have my ear infection after 7 weeks! Doctors are telling me that the IV antibiotics done effect warfarin, but they are struggling to get it above 1.7. Any ideas? They are going to run some liver tests, so far up to last Wedbesday I have had 5 courses of different antibiotics . Thanks

[dedeottie]

Oh poor you. What a terrible time you are having. Antibiotics and infections do affect the I.N.R. levels but usually my I.N.R. goes up. We are all different though. I hope things start to get better soon.x

[Bernie13 in reply to dedeottie]

Thanks Dedeottie, mine went up to 7 on oral antibiotics, but have dropped on IV antibiotics x x

[Rellim296]

Sorry to hear you are in hospital Bernie and still struggling not only with the ear but with INR as well.

Warfarin is tetchy stuff and more so for some than others. Whenever I was troubled with it dropping out of range I used to get told I worried about it too much. Even at 1.7 you do have some protection, I understand. Just don't eats lots of green things!

[jeanjeannie50]

Hi Bernie - Sorry to hear you still have your ear infection and a problem with your INR. Is it only while you've been taking the antibiotics that your level has dropped? What dose of warfarin are you on and could this be the time to switch to one of the the newer anticoagulants? Please let us know how you get on.

Jean

[Bernie13 in reply to jeanjeannie50]

Thanks Jeanjeanie,

My INR was 7 my nurse changed my dose and it went down to 2.2 but since IV antibiotics it has dropped further. The hospital have me on 5mg at the moment . X

[ILowe in reply to Bernie13]

I am rather surprised the hospital has not taken control of this for you. My observations when I was in three hospitals over eight weeks was that the regular doctor managing your case is not necessarily the best at Warfarin. Later at outpatients for Warfarin tests, I noticed which doctors gave wise advice, and which seemed not to. My advice to you is to find out in your hospital who is best with these things. For me it was the Haematologist, and one of the younger ones!! Ask to see them. If mobile, or in a wheelchair, get over to the department and just be nosey. The ones who might know who to ask might be the ones who come round to take your blood in the morning. They were good at it.

If I was doing it myself, I would follow some basic rules. eg 2-3 tests before making a dosage change; make small changes, 10-15% at a time, and test one week later, etc. Start a separate thread if you are interested in these principles.

Finally, do not worry. Most people can support a wide range of INR values.