over target warfarin

[nemisis2]

Hi Every, I would like a bit of advice please. I self test at home and my INR is uaually at my target of 2.5 and every three months I have to call the hospital and give the numbers. I think this is far too long a gap but thats how it is. However for the last three days it has gone up to 3.1 , 3.2 and 3.4, today it is at 3.1. I usually take a tablet every night and for the last two nights I have only taken half. I have been messing about with my diet a bit, am trying to lose some weight but had a week when I havent stuck to it. One thing I know is that I have hardly had any green veg. Haven't been able to talk to anyone at the hospital, do you think I am doing the right thing in reducing the warfarin, not sure what to do. I once read a post from a man who said he medicates according to his diet and numbers but I can't remember his name, but would appreciate any comments, thanks. Pauline

[Jalia]

Hi Pauline, I'm on warfarin and self test as well but my clinic ask for readings more frequently. I think you know the answer and that is to increase your green veg intake. Consistency is the byword as I'm sure you know also!

A reading of 3.1/2 is not terribly out of range and I would have thought that you could have got back in range by adding in the green veg and not messing about with your warfarin. I think that halving your warfarin intake on the strength of these readings is a bit drastic. The effect of your lowered dose will not show for a couple of days normally.

I'm not medically trained but in your position I would get back to your normal dose, be more consistent in your diet , test again on Monday and if still concerned get in touch with your clinic.

[Hidden]

Hiya Pauline,

Just beeen through something similar myself - BUT - can you tell me what your daily doses are, fer instance mine reads:

Sun = 1 blue, 2 brown = 5.0mg

Mon= 1 blue, 1 brown = 4.0

Tues = 1 blue, 2 brown =5.0

Wed= 1 blue, 1 brown= 4.0

Thur= 1 blue, 1 brown = 4.0

Fri = 1 blue, 2 brown= 5.0

Sat= 1 blue, 1 brown = 4.0

Now a week ago I had to get my INR down prior to cataract surgery. I chopped 1 mg right out of my usual evening dose, then next day I reversed my dose with the following day - that got me down from 3.1 to 2.6.

My normal range is 2.0 to 3.0 and my target INR is 2.5 on average I swing between 2.4 and 2.7.

I ignore everything about diet. Booze and greens simply have no impact on my INR - the most important thing ever is ... CONSISTENCY !! WHATEVER YOU EAT AND DRINK MUST BE DONE CONSISTENTLY.

I self test and my present reporting time to my GP's INR clinic is 10 weeks. I agree thats too long so I self test once or twice during that 10 week period.

John

[Izzle]

I've been on warfarin for years. My regime is 5mg (pink) on Tuesdays and Fridays, then on the other days 4mg (1 blue and 1 brown). I'm fairly good at keeping my INR between 2.0 and 2.5 . I get tested monthly but have extended it up to 3 monthly when I've been travelling overseas.

I think the secret to stability on warfarin is to keep the potassium part of your diet fairly constant. By that I mean you can vary a little on a daily basis but over say 3-4 days the total potassium is about the same, it's not an exact science.

Tried Rivaroxaban for a week and had 1/2 hour nose bleed, so reverted to the tried and true.

[nemisis2 in reply to Izzle]

Hi Izzle, Thanks for coming back to me, I was asked if I wanted to change too but like you decided to stay on warfarin, keep well, Pauline

[coopo]

Seek advice from your GP. I think it be unwise to prescribe your own medication. Don't eat greens for a while might help short term

[segaw]

You can send the readings through anytime. Hubbies was up last week so sent it through and they sent back dosing. He self tests. Wouldn’t risk adjusting yourself as sometimes it is just one half tablet that changes everything. Send through reading taken tomorrow morning when they are open again

[Mira265]

Hi Nemiss2I think it is the wrong thing to alter your dose of Warfarin.

Regarding green vegetables the vegetables that contain vit K

Should be eaten in moderation . Consistency should be the

Key word. If you are worried then get onto your clinic or GP.(

[nemisis2 in reply to Mira265]

Hi, Thanks for coming back to me, I have gone back to my normal dose and will contact the hospital tomorrow, thanks to everyone for all the replies, Pauline

[Shar28]

Hi Pauline, without being rude, I think your answer’s in your question...go back to your normal amount of greens!Then technically phone the anticoagulantion clinic tomorrow for advice.

My husband’s on Warfarin and his INR is normally stable provided he sticks to a similar amount of greens each week and a similar amount of alcohol too. (He only drinks moderately, well within NHS guidelines and with cardiologist’s and GPs knowledge before anyone says anything) but last year it suddenly shot up without any known cause. He was told it can just do that sometimes. The clinic tweaked his Warfarin and he normalised his diet and it soon settled. Hope yours does too.

All the best to you and your loved ones.

[nemisis2 in reply to Shar28]

Thanks for that, take care.