Changing fom Warfarin

[nossib]

Can anyone tell me if , after being on warfarin for 7 years, is it possibl to change to one of the new blood thinners, in safety?

I am so weary, with all my other health issues, of having to monitor everything I eat and the monthly, often fortnightly blood tests.

[MazzyB]

I’m on warfarin and sometimes I have to go every week for INR but on the whole I’m ok with it! Really hope you get sorted.

[nossib in reply to MazzyB]

Yes, MazzyB, in the main I've been ok on warfarin and reading some of the side effects of the new anticoagulants I am wary but I so want to visit my daughter in Scotland and being on wafain with having to have INR checks and probbly having to hire a machine and take them myself but would still need to know what dose to take, makes it a lot more awkward for me.

The UK no longer does a reciprocal health arrangement with New Zealand.

[MazzyB in reply to nossib]

Aww I understand! Really can’t think what to suggest! Hope you get sorted.

[cheritorrox in reply to nossib]

You should get advice from your doctor e.g can you set up to email them if INR changes significantly so they adjust the dosage? Guess in part it depends how stable you are at the mo but think you're right that you'd have to test while away

[Hidden]

No harm in asking about the new drugs!

[Smythian]

Yes, providing that your INR is stable, no issues at all with making the switch to one on the new Anticoagulation meds.

I would suggest Apixaban as I have been taking this medication for the past five years with no side effects, apart from occasional itchy legs!

There is a higher risk of an internal bleed with Rivaroxabin.

Good luck! 👍

[nossib in reply to Smythian]

Thank you Smythian. It's always good to have feedback from others here as well as consulting with my pulmonologist.

[Hidden]

Hi there,

Have you considered getting your own device and doing the INR tests in the comfort of your own home. If you go online to the Coaguchek XS website it'll give you all the info. I've been doing this for 10 years, even take my device on holiday, even to Australia.

John

[Cerinboo60 in reply to Hidden]

Hi, I'm on warfarin and have my own machine. It gives me freedom to visit or holiday without worry. I liase with anticoag clinic by phone or email who arrange my dosage and sort any issues.

[Hidden in reply to Cerinboo60]

That's exactly right, that's what I do. Way to go.

[nossib in reply to Hidden]

Thank you carneuny & Cerinboo60, are the machines very expensive? I am in New Zealand.

[Hidden in reply to nossib]

Well here in UK Roche used to do a deal. Don't know if they still do. Basically, they are £300 however, Roche had an interest free purchase plan.

Suggest you go online and see if Roche are represented in NZ. I would imagine they are. Alternatively, Google Coaguchek XS and see if it takes you to Roche.

John

[Tofino5]

I was on warfarin for 10 1/2 years, then changed to apixiban a bit over 2 years ago. It is wonderful, my very severe migraines were finally brought under control - they were a side effect of warfarin.

Also had a very unstable INR, so I was testing 2 or 3 times a month at the lab. Self-testing wasn't an option for me. Being able to eat in a more healthy way, with more greens etc, is a big bonus. As are no more black and blue hands from lab draws (no good veins in arms).

There is a reversal agent.

Talk to your doc. We're all different.

Best of luck!

[nossib in reply to Tofino5]

Thank you. I would love to eat those vegetables again too! Not have to worry about the testing, although then I may always wonder if my INR is alright.

[Clarr]

Hi nossib,

Yes it is very possible to change to one of the newer blood thinners(anticoagulants) .

Just ask your GP or cardiologist.

Don't change before first clearing it with your doctor as some people are very prone to bad bleeds or old age may be a prohibitive factor.

I'm sure that won't be a problem in your case.

Your doctor will check you out to see that you can safely change over.

The newer drugs don't require monitoring.

[nossib in reply to Clarr]

Yes, I need to contact my pulmonologist. I did ask him about 3 years back but he wasn't inclined to change me. I on't consider myself 'old age' lol but I am in my late sixties, just haven't looked it....my profile photo is 7 years old.

[Hidden]

I'm sure you'd be able to - go and talk to your GP about it.

[Suebo2 Moderator]

The new tablets are SOoooo much safer than warfarin. This is a positive step.

Please email me your questions. I have swapped about 3000 patients from warfarin

[nossib in reply to Suebo2]

Thank you Suebo2. I will get back to you soon.

[blieskastel42]

Hello,I was on Wafarin for a numbero years and did weekly INR self testing and I was quite happy with it.Just a while ago my GP suggested that I should go on to one of the newer Drugs.I was put on to Edoxaban and have been on it now for just over a month.The switch did not cause me any negative side effects.All is well.No weekly INR blood tests anymore and not having to buy the expensive Roche test strips.

[higgy52]

i was on warfarin for 4 years it was a pain going to get tested every week or two, and watching what i eat,

so i am now on rivabraxaban and can eat what i like and no INR tests, and no side affects so far