What is the position for self testing warfarin with NHS Scotland...my GP doesn't have any self testing patients and doesn't know!

[mays10]

[warfarin1]

People in Scotland have to buy their own monitor, as all of the UK does at the moment. Testing strips are available on prescription but it will depend on local protocols as to whether they will actually prescribe. Lots of GPs in Scotland have people who are self-testing, where in Scotland are you? The company who manufacture the CoaguChek would be happy to go and talk to your doctor if they want.

ACE is campaigning, along with others to get the monitors on prescription. Support the campaign by going to acsma.org.uk

[Hidden]

In England the approval of self testing of INR and the issue of test strips on prescription is in accordance with NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) Guidelines. In Scotland, although they must be approved by NHS Scotland rather than NHS England, the same guidelines apply and should be followed. Your GP should get this info from NICE or his local NHS office.

Incidentally NICE are now considering the case for the test machines also to be issued to lifelong Warfarin patients on prescription too which will substantially increase the number of self testers.

[maejane]

I live in the ne Scotland and used to self test until I was put onto rivaroxoban the new drug but my mum still self tests and our gp needed a lot of persuading but our consultant in Aberdeen helped, we bought our own monitor and our lancets and test strips are on prescription, and we attended the clinic every 3 months so our monitors can be checked. Self testing is the way to go it gives you so much freedom, just keep asking your gp and if you attend a Haematologist maybe they can help convince your doctor too, hope this helps