INR check

[SiCiMi]

Hi Im new to the site..My husband was pit on Dabigatran 3weeks ago after getting a 3rd DVT. Does anyone know if he should have his INR checked. If not how do they know the clot is disolving?

[BobD Volunteer]

Dabigatran does not need INR checking as it works on a different part of the blood to warfarin. None of the new oral anticoagulants require testing. They just work.

[CDreamer]

No because Dabigatran doesn’t work like that - it’s only Wafarin that is a VitK antagonist which requires INR checks. All the new anti-coagulants work on a different level of the clotting process.

Have you looked at the AFA website on their downloadable leaflets on A/Cs? They explain the differences there.

Do make sure your husband takes his tablets with food - Dabigatran requires an acids stomach for the gel coating to dissolve so best taken with some protein and water,

[opal11uk in reply to CDreamer]

Now I didn't know that, thank you so much xxx

[SiCiMi in reply to CDreamer]

Thank you i will take a look.

[CDreamer]

PS - Dabigatran is not designed to dissolve the clot but to prevent others forming. Anti-platelets are more effective for dissolving the clots and the body is very good at doing itself all on its own.

[SiCiMi in reply to CDreamer]

This is my husband 3rd clot in 12months. Rivaroxiban and warfarin both failed him so i am a little apprehensive as to what this will actually do. Thanks.

[Kaz747 in reply to SiCiMi]

Did your husband form a clot whilst on Rivaroxiban? Or was it side effects that stopped him taking it.

[SiCiMi]

Whilst he was on Rivarixiban he formed a clot. Changed to warfarin and also formed a clot.

[Kaz747 in reply to SiCiMi]

I was on Rivaroxiban, went off it 2 days before ablation which they couldn’t continue with because they found a clot. I’m now on Pradaxa (I was on Apixiban for a few days in between but that didn’t agree with me)

[SiCiMi]

Theyre talking about fitting a filter to stop the clots travelling but thats not going to stop the clots forming. Maybe this is why theyve put him on this one to stop them forming. We thought it was to disperse the clot. He also has factor v leiden blood disorder which makes him more at risk of developing clots.

[seasider18 in reply to SiCiMi]

I had an Amplatzer amulet (filter) fitted last year so that I could get off warfarin as NOACs are contra indicated with my replaced heart valve. I did wonder what happens to any clots that are stopped by the filter but forgot to ask.

[SiCiMi in reply to seasider18]

Yes its a worrying thought isnt it?

[seasider18 in reply to SiCiMi]

No, it was just a thought if it was a problem it would be documented in post trial reports. Our resident retired nurse Irena will probably have a take on this.

[MarkS]

The anti-coags should stop other clots forming and his current clot will slowly be dissolved by the body. However as he's had 3 dvt's already, that's serious and you must look at other causes. Is he overweight, does he smoke or does he not take enough exercise?

[SiCiMi]

MarkS yes he is just overweight and has been told to keep an eye on it. He only does light exercise due to medical conditions and is a non smoker. Think the clots are a family trait and the fact he has a blood disorder that puts him at a higher risk.

[SiCiMi]

Does anyone know if he should have an INR test whilst on dabigatrin. He's not been offered one and not had a follow up since diagnosis.