Anticoagulants

[George2467814]

The reason I prefer Warfarin is the regular checking which I find reassuring and when blood is not in range it is easily adjusted in my experience.

[RobertELee]

I know exactly what you mean and when I came off Warfarin I felt exactly the same. However a year on Apixaban and I don't even think about it now. Read your post again and spot the contradiction. You like reassurance but you accept that sometimes your INR is not in range, meaning you are not always protected.

I am never 'out of range', so to speak, and so protected 24/7 - isn't that more reassuring?

[George2467814 in reply to RobertELee]

Yes it is but you have the experience which I have not and my GP says stay on Warfarin but that may be a cost consideration.

[RobertELee in reply to George2467814]

Possibly George, though your GP doesn't have the last word on this, you do! But, if you're happy with warfarin, then stay with it.

[Annekw]

Apixaban every time for me, diagnosed in March I didn't have a choice, Consultants and staff said if the UK can afford it this is the way forward! (This was on holiday in Tenerife!)

[George2467814]

Can someone tell me if this newer drug is not monitored how can you be certain it is working whereas with warfarin INR is regularly checked

[Beancounter Volunteer in reply to George2467814]

Hi George

There is actually a test for the NOACs, but it's not one that can be carried out in a usual blood test, it needs a specialist lab to do it. BUT they work completely differently to warfarin, on a different part of the really very complex series of chemical reactions that is clotting within blood.

And tests have proved that the NOACS do work obviously this was part of how they were licensed to be sold, and there is no need to test, just popping the tablet once (or twice for some) a day anticoagulates.

Comparisons show they are very slightly better than warfarin but very marginal, and of course no reversal agent (yet)

Be well

Ian

[George2467814 in reply to Beancounter]

Thank you beancounter I have a limited understanding of these matters. When I approached my GP on the subject he said the hospital cardiac dept who had carried out several tests re my problems ECG monitoring for 7 days my heart beats rate pressures etc recommended that unless I suffered more problems they advised warfarin and bisoprolol ...the latter replacing atenolol because I had lightheaded ness and dizziness as which has now gone...he said as you mentioned that warfarin problems can be quickly reversed which he said was not so with the latest drugs which he felt made warfarin the better choice...however I will raise issue again but feel also that cost may have been a factor.