Anticoagulants and kidney function testing ( May 2019 )

[jennydog]

My GP rang this morning re my Pradaxa ( dabigatran ) medication. Hitherto I have had my kidney function tested annually via a blood sample. Dr Potter tells me that the new instruction is that it should now be tested every 6 months. This apparently refers to all NOACs.

Subsequent thought--------- are they seeing kidney problems due to these new medications hence this extra monitoring?

[jonjub]

Coincidence. Saw my gp yesterday and i said that i hadn't had a kidney function blood test, as usual and he said “not necessary”. Now what do i do? Go back and say ‘you're wrong’!

[jennydog in reply to jonjub]

I wouldn't be happy with that!

My GP seems to be following recent guidelines. I wonder what NICE is saying ? Is there anything on the instruction leaflet supplied with your anticoagulant?

[BobD Volunteer in reply to jonjub]

yes

[Buffafly in reply to jonjub]

I saw nurse who said firmly that they didn't do regular blood tests for NOACs so I looked anxious and tentatively mentioned that I had understood from the NICE website? (Doesn't do to contradict if possible, best to act dumb so they can 'correct' you, worked this time) So she looked it up and went 'Well maybe we should do one'. But never had another specifically for that.

[sotolol in reply to Buffafly]

Well played. I do that. I act thick and old because I am .... ha. They normally respond better. How can YOU know more than them. Tut tut.

[BobD Volunteer]

I thought it always was six monthly. Why not ask the office (AF Association) as they will know.

[wpw62]

Thanks for letting us know. My GP tests all my meds annually so I will mention this to him next time I have to go and see him

[jonjub]

I ‘think’ i remember being advised in the past that the test was a necessary requirement of being on an anticoagulant - rivaroxaban - and i am pretty certain i have had them in previous years, hence why haven't i had one this year? As you say there is a skill in contradicting a clinician, so i will tactfully ask again, perhaps suggesting i cant remember his response to my earlier request.

[sotolol in reply to jonjub]

You are meant to be placed on an automatic recall list. I’d ask GPs as they are the ones who get the money for all this. Like previously mentioned on here a call from GP or letter. Don’t ask don’t get. I’ve learnt that in my old age.

[Finvola]

My first thought too - the NHS wouldn’t use extra resources for no reason. My GP’s clinic started six monthly testing about a year ago.

[Ladypaula]

Funnily enough I had a text message yesterday from my go surgery saying I needed to book a blood test When I rang and asked what the blood test was for the receptionist said it was for my Naoc.I have been on Rivaraxoban since 2017 and never been called in for a blood test for this reason before,but over the last couple of years I have had blood tests for other reasons.

[jennydog in reply to Ladypaula]

There's definitely something happening !

[sotolol in reply to jennydog]

Yes new guidelines I think. I have an NHS APP. Bit of a pain to get it. Send a small video of your self and a photo on driving license or pass port. But you can read all you results and later in the year ALL your medical info will go live. It’s a brilliant site.

[sotolol in reply to sotolol]

You can send your GP emails and ask questions they get back to you in a day via surgery app. Also order drugs on line. Been doing it for months.

[sotolol in reply to Ladypaula]

Yes that’s what should happen. 👍🏻

[Pacific]

Hmm. I’ve only had annual checks for kidney function and at my 6 monthly review the nurse increased my statin from 10 mg to 20 mg, which pleased me as my

LDL has been too high for years. When I phoned up to make an appointment for my June 6 month review the receptionist exclaimed , ah! Kardia vask, you la !

I expect it’s to check my previous cholesterol reading against this higher dosage. (I presume the GPhad left a note on my file for the dose to be increased).

[Dodie117]

I’ve always had 6 monthly tests.

[Newgran]

I've been on Rivaroxaban for years and never had a blood test! However, I have had blood in my urine for about 9 months. The local hospital (I felt) nearly killed me inserting stent from bladder to kidney - but the bleeding is back, and I'm now awaiting an appointment at the same hospital! Do they know what they are doing? I do wonder.

[sotolol in reply to Newgran]

Ask I do.

[ETFCfan]

I’ve been on Rivaroxaban for four years and have had six monthly blood tests. Unfortunately just had to have a repeat test as my recent one showed a decline in kidney function.

[rosyG in reply to ETFCfan]

There are two strengths of Apixaban if you get into difficulties.

[ETFCfan in reply to rosyG]

Thanks Rosy, it has improved a bit again so back on track. Will keep that in mind x

[sotolol in reply to rosyG]

Two strengths of Dabigatran

Too ( pradaxa ).

[sotolol]

Thank you for that. Mines been yearly but had two blood tests as sodium is low so waiting for results on test yesterday. So I shall say I want it done every 6 months. 👍🏻

[sotolol]

Had blood test yesterday told wait week for results. Yeah..... I got NHS app. It’s on there in one day .... sodium still low .... no further action. Waiting for consultant appointment so I’ll ask him. Hope it’s this side of 🎄 Christmas.