warfarin and one test

[mbhakta]

hi all, wish u better health!

I'm taking warfarin 5mg and 4 mg alternatively. my inr ranges from 1.5 to 2.5. but sometimes it rises upto 3.5 or more. I usually test my inr bimonthly. sometimes my cardiologist suggest to have inr test monthly and sometimes that bimonthly. don't know which one is more safe monthly or bimonthly frequency for inr test.

[Hidden]

Your dose is about the same as mine, my range is 2 to 3 and my target is 2.5. Mostly close to target. At the moment I am on 42 day tests but frequently am on 70 days.

However, I have a supportive GP Surgery and have my own testing device and so if I choose to test more frequently I do so.

[mbhakta in reply to Hidden]

thanks carneuny

which device u use to check ur inr. at what price it comes. I don't know if it would be available in india.

[Hidden in reply to mbhakta]

The one I use is Coaguchek XS, manufactured and marketed by Roche. Use your search engine for Roche Diagnostics and it should give you world wide addresses.

John

[mbhakta in reply to Hidden]

thanks

[BobD Volunteer]

The frequency of tests should reflect the numbers you are getting. Your range should be between 2 and 3 and if it is falling outside that range then tests are needed weekly to ensure that you are within range. A consistent diet is also important so don't for example have a huge meal of some green vegetable one day andthen not for a week or so as this will tilt the results. We are all different and whilst my INR is very stable and I normally only test every couple of months other are not so lucky.

[mbhakta in reply to BobD]

Thanks BobD

my inr semaine more or less sabke but sone times.

[jwsonoma]

Hi,

I am an amateur but Bob D. Nailed it. If you are going out of range you should talk to your physician and test more often.

I am plant based and eat a lot of greens. The amount of Vitamin K varies between spinach, kale, chard, beet root greens, and arugula. As a result my INR fluctuates. I asked for and was provided a Coaguchek XS, training and 1 test strip a week in bundles of 12 by my health care provider at no charge. I actually test more than once a week so I buy extra test strips on E Bay. Because I do a lot of sports my physician recommended I stay with warfarin because you have much better control of your coagulation. I get close to 2 the day I do anything and I must say from the hits I have taken I haven't bruised up much. So as big a pain as it is I am sticking with my regime.

I don't weigh that much but 400g of spinach in a smoothie will drop my INR by 1.0 in a day if I find my self up in the 3s.

Good luck

[mbhakta]

thanks jwsonoma,

thanks. really it is interesting information.