I want to try one of the new anticoagulant drugs for my A F but my doctor says take warfarin. So at present am on aspirin.

[doubtingdolly]

Have only just been diagnosed and would like to try these fairly new drugs but I was wondering if the cost has anything to do with it.

[Hidden]

Hi again doubtingdolly. Please see my reply to your earlier comment. Aspirin will NOT help you and it is important to get on Warfarin or one of the new Oral Anticoagulants as soon as possible.

It is true that Warfarin is cheaper for your GP to prescribe but it does require careful management so you need regular blood tests which involves the NHS in costs or you get your own testing machine and try to get the test strips on prescription which also costs. Some GPs tend to be traditionalists but keep trying as the New Anticoagulants are much easier and cheaper to manage.

[doubtingdolly in reply to Hidden]

Thank you for your reply saw my doctor and he is awaiting to here from the hospital if he can let me have one of the new drugs for A F. He explained about the bleeding they can cause but I am sure they would not be prescribing these if tests had not been done. So am keeping my fingers crossed as at the moment still on nothing b ut aspirin. Thank you doubtingdolly

[iannoah6]

I agree with PBirt. The GPs are reluctant to prescribe the new anticoagulants because of cost. I was lucky because the hospital cardiologist put me on Dabigatran following A/F and cardioversion. He also prescribed Flecainide to regulate the heart. When my GP heard about this he said he would have used Warfarin (cheaper) but was overruled by the cardiologist. The new drugs have been fantastic for me with no side effects, and no regular monitoring. I am now well into my second year on them.

[jokelly]

Yes, cost has everything to do with it. Warfarin costs pennies but dabigatran costs around £2.50 a day. There are no dietary restrictions and no monitoring at all. However, if you want to start the battle to get this prescribed, then have a look at the NICE risk assessment criteria and see if you qualify - then demand as your right if you do. Good luck - it took me about four months but I am now on these for life. I know the argument goes that it runs bleeding risks which cannot be controlled as Warfarin can be, but I have had three hospital procedures all involving blood and I have seen no difference in the time it took to be controlled. My husband is still on Warfarin and I don't envy the ordeal of blood tests as they are not always skilled at doing this in surgeries!

I am still on Flecainide also, awaiting ablation of the AV node following the insertion of a pacemaker a few weeks ago.

[doubtingdolly]

Thank you for your reply I saw my doctor and he is awaiting a reply from the NHS as to whether they can let me have one of the newest drugs for a f instead of warfarin. He did explain about the bleeding side but you have put my mind at rest, I know everyone differs but am keeping fingers crossed they will agree. I am also on bisoprolol fumarate to try and slow heart rate down. Thanks once again doubtingdolly.