My question is to all of you INR Selftesters.Have you been able to get your Coaguchek XS PT Teststrips on prescription?

[blieskastel42]

I am experiencing a considerable amount of difficulties.How does one best go about it?

[Hidden]

Hi. I have been self testing with Coaguchek machines for over 14 years and have always obtained my test strips on prescription. For me it is a simple matter of getting my GP to simply give me a prescription when I need a pack and taking it to the pharmacist. Many pharmacists may need 24/48 hours to get them in however.

One fundamental issue is of course is "does your GP support you in wanting to self test?" The GP has to issue the prescription so getting his/her support first is vital.

NICE approved in principle the issuing of these strips on prescription but left it to individual PCTs (now CCGs) to give local direction. Some PCTs took much longer than others to approve it to their local GP network but most eventually did.

The strips are expensive so it is a matter of cost usually but the alternative costs of all that is involved in testing at a hospital anticoagulation clinic or even near patient testing at the GP practice is considerably higher. It may still depend on your locality.

Hope this helps but all the best

[sparky514]

Hi I self test,before I bought my machine I checked with my GP if he would prescribe the strips, because some PCT's do not let GP's do this. I have had no problems getting them. Hope you get this sorted, because I believe they are quite expensive, good luck

[warfarin1]

There is a pack of information and example letters that may be helpful on the ACE website

anticoagulationeurope.org/p...

It is called Campaign pack.

Th first thing to try and do is to get your GP to put in writing, or tell you exactly why he will not prescribe them, then you know the reason and will know what angle you will need to come from.

[daisyd]

Yes I do, Suffolk area , had to buy machine though

[tk11]

I had resistance at first but the hospital wrote to my gp and now they do it without question. I purchased my machine from Roche on monthly terms and it has all been so easy. Love self testing!.

[olddodds]

HI,

I think you will find this is a common problem. I have been self testing for about 5 years now.My local hospital that I am under would like me to self dose, but I feel more secure with thinking of them as my safety net. I could do, its common sense & understanding what reaction foods/drink & other medication has on your INR.

I am lucky my GP, will prescribe the strips for me. But I know that the person in charge of the surgery {I presume head GP} is not happy that it is being done. I have just put a repeat prescription in, so I waiting to see if it has been prescribed again {fingers crossed}

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[Balach]

I had to fight with the haematologist for three years to be allowed to self-test - my GP has always supported me - in the end the consultant gave in and I have now been self testing and self managing for three years. The testing strips are on the NHS tariff and therefore can be prescribed by your GP; however, I am aware that some PCT's ordered their GP's not to prescribe them because of the cost. As you may know, PCT's have just been abolished and replaced by CCG's, giving GP's control of the budget. So, now is a good time to approach your GP.

[Hidden]

Hi there,

No problems at all and I have been self testing for some 5 years. I agree with PBirt.

However, I would present my GP with an economic/financial argument - goes something like this - well if you won't approve me self testing with warfarin and prescribe me with test strips, then will you please continue my anticoagulation with one of the NOAC's that are now on the market. The cost differential is significant, warfarin and the Coaguchek system being much cheaper. there are many arguments he will still use and so it may not help.

Alternatively, look around where you live and do a ring around the surgeries in your area and ask if they operate a Warfarin clinic which supports the use of the Coaguchek system. I was having no end of problems with my GP going along with Coaguchek, and the local CCG were next to bloody useless so I did a ring around and found a supportive surgery and ended up changing surgeries.

No problems since.

John