Coumadin

[LisaZimber]

I am taking coumadin for a massive Pulmonary Embolism. This is the first time I have had my INR checked since leaving the hospital. It was 4.7 today. Is that too high?

[Hidden]

Hiya Lisa,

When you were first put on Coumadin (which here in Britain we call Warfarin), I would have thought that the hospital who started you, would have told you what your INR range should be and what your target figure should be. When I was diagnosed with AF the hospital told me that my range should be between 2.0 and 3.0 with a target INR of 2.5.

If and I say IF ..... because I don't know your circumstances .... you were told the same thing - then yes - 4.7 is on the high side and it may be advisable to return to those who prescribed Coumadin and get it corrected. My GP adjusts my dose even if I hit 3.5 ! On that basis 4.7 would need looking into.

John

[LisaZimber in reply to Hidden]

Thank you! I think my target is 3.5. I would have thought that the doctor's office would call if the INR number is too high. They did not. However, this whole process has been handled very strangely. The doctor did talk to me in the hospital and answered every question. However, I really didn't know what questions to ask. And, when leaving the hospital, the nurses instructed me when and where to get my levels checked. When I went into the clinic where the doctor has his office, the technician was unsure as to where to send my results. It's been very unsettling. Thank you for your reply.

[Hidden]

When I started on Warfarin (Coumadin) it was for a prosthetic, aortic heart valve and my therapeutic range then was 3.5 to 4.5 with a target of 4.0. Like AussieJohn, I think that 4.7 is a bit high but not enough to cause panic. You are likely to be on Coumadin for quite a while and in time you and your medics will learn what is the right dose for you to keep you in range. Try to get it checked as frequently as you can at this early stage and you will get it right sooner.

[LisaZimber in reply to Hidden]

Thank you for your reply. I need all the information I can get right now.

[Hidden in reply to LisaZimber]

Lisa.

Have a look at the following website and you will open pandora's box of information about anticoagulation and lots of contacts for advice and support . All the best. Peter

anticoagulationeurope.org/p...

[vegewood]

hi lisazimber

Im not familiar with that drug as i took warfarin, but 4.7 does seem very high, they should tell you what your range is and adjust your intake of tablets to bring it down. most ppl on warfarin range is 2-3, mine was upped to 3-4, Your inr clinic should monitor you and youve probably got to see them every week until it is brought down into the range they like you in.