New price deal for DOACs on the NHS

[Drounding]

This could be good news for people with AF but not yet on anticoagulants in the UK.

pulsetoday.co.uk/news/clini...

[Hidden]

Many thanks for that. Very interesting, especially the bit about less use of Warfarin. Hmmmm !

I'll still stay with my tried and true Warfarin.

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

As they say, if it ain’t broke, don’t mend it but I’m going to stick with Apixaban….

[Hidden]

This is really good news Drounding. I wasn't really aware that cost has prevented some patients from being able to have DOACs in UK. I do remember though, dreading the thought of warfarin and was so relieved to find I was being prescribed Apixaban instead. I hope that many more people will now have access to this much easier and more trouble-free option.

[secondtry]

I didn't realise they were being rationed because of the price. Although my cardiologist did say for our area Edoxaban was usually prescribed because the CCG had struck a good price. Hopefully, next year patients will be able to express a preference.

[MarkS]

I hope this doesn't mean that patients are going to be forced to change to a DOAC from warfarin. DOACs are only superior if INR control in warfarin is poor. If control is good, for instance with self management, warfarin is actually superior, and warfarin also appears to have fewer side effects. I think this is more to do with making life for GPs easier.

[Hidden in reply to MarkS]

G'day Mark,

My GP, bless her, has already ventured onto sacred ground and suggested that I switch over. So, I challenged her on this and asked her to give me a substantial reason why I should when Warfarin for me works perfectly well and is significantly less cost to the NHS than these NOACS/DOACS. After 12 years on Warfarin, travelling with my supplies, self testing with my trusty Coaguchek and in recent times even self dosing including when I get out of range I adjust my own dose to bring me back into line. Of course I also follow the golden Warfarin Rule of Consistency rather than panicking with diet, be it food or alcohol.

Bless her ..... she gave up the discussion ! I didn't let her off the hook at that point and challenged her on cost, Warfarin is still a lower cost for the NHS and even when this new contract, thingy, whatever comes in I would like to see NICE develop some more recent up to date costings. To be honest, I believe drug manufacturers are still playing around with these NOACS even though they are in the marketplace - but the medical profession and patients aren't fully in the loop as to what is going on.

John

[MarkS]

Hi John,

You're right, warfarin is still cheaper for all that. I'm just waiting for the day when I have to go down to the surgery armed with sheets of paper to argue my case!

Mark