INR

[emma_blake79]

What INR level would you panic on and go to ED, my Dad has his INR tested today and the first test was 1.7 and they repeated it and it was 1.9. I think this it too low not to do anything but the GP said just retest in the morning.

[Beancounter Volunteer]

Hi Emma

Truthfully, I wouldn't panic at that level, it's lower than ideal of course, but Doctors are always very cautious around warfarin and tend nowadays (especially surgery nurses) to increase in tiny amounts. They used to just throw you on 8 mg or something and wait a few weeks and see what happens, but now they tend to move things very slowly back up to ideal.

The problem is INR does move easily, and it could be down to a diet change or almost anything, I am sure the GP will reassure you tomorrow.

Be well

Ian

[BobD Volunteer]

The only time I would panic was if it was very high. This sounds quite normal procedure to me although I admit it can be frustrating.

Bob

[Rellim296]

I would avoid eating green things but if there's a test tomorrow the picture will be clearer. I've spent a lot of time well under 2 and I came to no harm. There is some protection at 1.7 even if it is not ideal.

[munningsc]

I agree. My target was set at 2.5 and it took several weeks of small adjustment to my dose before it settled. Am on checks every 8 weeks and it still wobbles a bit but stays between 2 and 3 which is my target range. So don't worry, it will get there!

[Hidden]

I think in my own experience, INR has to be between 2-3 to be safe, it took a while to stabalise mine, as I am on a lot of other drugs. I also was told diet played a part in level, mine is only tested monthly now, I am on 8mg daily. Hope this is helpful??

[Lesley61]

Mine was low when I was in hospital was 1.2 but they not bothered they test it even day then when I cam home the DN came to my home every week now I whent to hospital last month my INR was 2.2 and I whent on Monday and its upto 4.9 so high they are putting mine up to 3.5 now to try it for 6 months but I have to have my bloods done this Monday they not change my dose yet

[Rellim296 in reply to Lesley61]

Do think about asking to change to one of the new anticoagulants if you are constantly having trouble with INR levels.

[Lesley61]

My INR been fine now till last mouth and this its only been this high at first when I whent on it but because iv been having bad heads the hospital sed they put my on 3.5 but they had not done any thing about it till I phoned them then had to go to doctor to get him to phone them and get it changed but he sed how's it got this high

[heather-7]

I wouldn't worry. My hubby who is 88 recently had an INR of 1.9 and clinic just followed him in 2 weeks. It probably was his diet causing low reading.

Heather R

[emma_blake79]

Thanks everyone for the comments, it is just scary sometimes. He is very careful with his diet and never eats anything that affects warfarin but maybe something does and you don't know. It would just be better to be sitting at 2.5 to 3 to avoid those lows. His GP just said he must of missed a dose which he says he def did not do.