INR Machine

[Guynoel]

Hi trying to find out how much a INR machine cost?is it available from GP.I am a Cabin Crew and there are countries where I have to travel to do not have the machine?Any advice welcome thks Guy

[jennydog]

Guy, ask to go on to an NOAC. You will be liberated.

I take Pradaxa  (dabigatran) It's one capsule per 12 hours with no food restrictions.

[BobD Volunteer]

Coagucheck costs about £300 plus the strips. You would have to buy the machine yourself but may be able to get strips on NHS.

[Hidden]

Hi Guy,

I use the Roche Diagnostics, Coaguchek XS machine. This is the only one I can comment on - so - assuming you are in Britain, if you go into Roche Diagnostics website and do a search for the above machine it will give you all the info you need. I believe ( but am not sure if the offer is still on) they were available to approved purchasers interest free on 12 monthly instalments. Apart from that I think they are £300 to buy outright.

Moving on, the test strips are available on the NHS as a prescription item so you'd need to see your GP in that respect. I have found this machine to be totally liberating and always take it with me when I travel including my trips to Australia. No problems at all. I think the point is that if Warfarin works for you, and you are comfortable with the stuff, and you are stable and - despite - your travelling - you are able to stay stable - why change.

John

[MarkS]

The Coaguchek costs £299 + VAT in the UK. If you have a long term condition like AF you don't have to pay VAT. It's available through the Roche site at shop.coaguchek.com/buy/

The testing strips are generally available from the GP.

For me it's just about the best thing I've ever bought. For you as cabin crew I should think it's pretty essential due to your irregular hours, food changes and difficulty with getting standard blood tests.

[Guynoel]

Many thanks to you all for such quick replies.I will investigate.Thks Guy

[Dodie117 in reply to Guynoel]

I recently asked to be put on apixaban for no other reason than the inconvenience of testing, watching diet etc .  I have my own machine but still not having to do any of this is really liberating and I would imagine especially suitable for you.  

Ditch the warfarin and go for a more modern approach would be my advice.

[MikeCol]

If you shop around Guy you might be able to pick up some gas mantles.  They don't light your home as brightly as electricity but they do give you hours of fun getting the gas level just right, cleaning and adjusting the jets and thinking up ways to cover the smells etc.   

Who wants the simplicity and liberation of electricity eh.......or a NOAC?

[seasider18]

AS cabin crew you might find a cheaper one abroad!

[Guynoel]

I have checked when I am on trips?Uk still works out cheaper?Thks Guy

[gateman]

Because I travel a lot I came off warfarin and onto an NOAC (apixaban). No testing, no brainier.

If your inr becomes unstable you probably wouldn't be covered by insurance.

[ILowe]

Another advantage of the strips is that they do not need to be kept in the fridge. There are other machines available. Beware Amazon.

I buy the strips direct from Roche, and they will deliver anywhere, not just your home address.

But, irregular lifestyles and food habits can sometimes wreck havock with the INR. You are supposed to keep a reasonable meal schedule and time for taking Warfarin. As a matter of interest, how do you cope with your lifestyle? I am really curious to hear what you do.