Alternative to warfarin

[Inamoment]

I've asked to be put on an alternative to warfarin, the sort where you don't need blood tests, it's such an exhausting struggle to get to the surgery.

What are the snags with these pills? Are there still foods not to over indulge in?

[Sususulio]

I was on warfarin for 10 years prior to my cardiac problems and understand the complexities/frustrations of it. In Oct 2019 I had cardiac stent a host of new meds and at that time I asked about new oral anti coagulants (NOAC) and was transferred to apixaban (elquis).

Pros - no variables in terms of diet etc - I take it twice a day and no range to maintain or worry about..

Cons - no reversal agent but it is reasonably quickly out of system.

Reassurance despite the blips there was something reassuring about knowing I was within the range with warfarin, that said latterly they would leave me 12 weeks between appointments so at any stage during it I could have been above or below.

Advice from cardiologists and pharmacists at the time was that it was sensible to transfer, I introduced lots of new meds, statins, blood pressure and in my case clopidogrel and I have been ok since, bridging to it was straightforward but I had lots going on the time.

I think the cost is slightly more and don’t know whether this impacts on GP’s decision but certainly worth exploring - good luck

[Inamoment in reply to Sususulio]

The only thing that puts me off is i won't know if it is working, but then i don't know if any of my other pills are working.

It's not just the cost of the pills. There is also the processing cost, emailing me, sending me a letter, data storage

[Nathan53]

BHF link attached on Warfarin v alternatives:

bhf.org.uk/informationsuppo...

It's alway with while checking NICE guidelines which GP's should take into account: cks.nice.org.uk/anticoagula...

[Milkfairy Heart Star]

Hello Inamoment

My husband takes

dabigatran an alternative to warfarin

It is a non vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulant aka a novel/ new oral anticoagulant ( NOAC)

It can be reversed with Idarucizumab which was licenced for use about 3 years ago.

Have you been referred to an anticoagulation clinic?

[Inamoment in reply to Milkfairy]

I've an appointment with my gp next week, i thought a little prior knowledge might help. I know the chichester anti coag people well