Warfarin... am I covered: Taking... - Atrial Fibrillati...

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Warfarin... am I covered

Enjoy profile image
9 Replies

Taking carbamazepine for trigeminal neuralgia and A&E doctor said to transfer to warfarin as they can keep a check on that. Started last week, reading 1.1. Went for another check yesterday and only 1.4. It has been increased by only l mg tablet every other day. That seems "not a lot" to me.

Any warfarin takers out there able to say if I am covered blood wise at 1.4

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BobD profile image
BobDVolunteer

You have some protection but not enough. Level shosuld be between 2 and 3 (2.5) It is strange that when I started warfarin about 15 years ago they gave me large amounts for three days and then started testing and adjusting till they got me down to the right level. These days they seem to work the other way round and creep up on it.! I know which method I prefer but they obviously have their reasons. Remember the amount you are taking is not important , only the resulting INR so whilst some people may be on 4 mg daily others may need 12, 14 or even 18 mg to attain the same results. It all depends on how your body metabolises it. Another thing to remember is that the top number is a little flexible in that up to INR 5 is not dangerous and for reasons other than AF some people may be on a target of up to 4 anyway.

jeanjeannie50 profile image
jeanjeannie50

No, I don't think you're quite completely covered blood wise just yet, but the increase to an extra 1mg of Warfarin every other day sounds perfect to get you to a good level. Personally, I wouldn't want an increase of more than that at this stage. I'm guessing that your INR will be checked again next week?

I've been taking Warfarin for about 12 years.

What was your last week's daily dose and what is it now?

Jean

Enjoy profile image
Enjoy in reply to jeanjeannie50

Last week 3 mg a day... this week 3 mg / 4 mg every other day. Because it is bank holiday this will be for 9 days. I am not eating a lot due to the neuralgia. Thank you for helping. Also thanks to Bob.

jeanjeannie50 profile image
jeanjeannie50 in reply to Enjoy

It certainly sounds a sensible increase and you will soon be better covered.

Jean

Ianc2 profile image
Ianc2

I am 6' tall weigh, about 13 stone and I am usually on about 6mg a day.

ILowe profile image
ILowe

As BobD said, the accepted minimum level for protection is taken to be 2.0. They are obviously bringing you up slowly. Sounds good to me.

I would say yes if you are still taking the Apixaban and no if you aren’t. The guidance below says to continue Apixaban until your INR is above 2. Your doctor and/or the warfarin clinic should be advising you on his.

gwh.nhs.uk/media/236485/doa...

Hi, don't forget that another factor is the amount of green veggies you consume. Suggest that, if you haven't been advised on diet already, you Google something like warfarin and green vegetables. Preferably something put on by NHS.

John

Enjoy profile image
Enjoy

Nurse just taken again .. 2 days after the 1.4, and it was 1.7. I was told to stop apixaban immediately I started warfarin.

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