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Warfarin increase - INR decrease

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OhDannyBoy
OhDannyBoy

Hello, I am a 53 year old male, and I am currently taking 19mg of Warfarin daily.  I have eliminated almost all Vitamin K from my diet, and still for almost 3 months my INR is still not theraputic, in fact it has gone down.  I go for blood work at least once a week, and last Friday my INR was at 1.6.  What is strange is that the week before it was at 1.9 while taking 18mg.  So, it certainly surprised my doctor when the INR dropped.

I am concerned for a number of reasons.  I had a heart attack in 2010, a PE in 2013, and a DVT which initiated in my calf and advanced to my Femoral Junction last Summer.

I was placed on Lovenox 2x a day until this issue can be figured out, but my abdomen is so sore and brusied, it has become a nightmare.

My Hematologist has run so many tests on my blood, that I don't even remember everything.  I have become very frustrated and need guidance in what, if anything I can do.

I was just told this evening (my friend's brother is a world renowned pulmonary specialist that consulted a colleague) that there can be a genetic variant which actually causes an increased dose of Warfarin to have the opposite effect on the blood.

Does anyone have any first hand knowledge regarding a similar situation?  Thanking all for their time and consideration.

0 likes, 3 replies

3 Replies

  • Pam143
    Pam143 OhDannyBoy

    Posted

    I don't have the answer for you, I'm afraid but wondered if you would be better off on one of the new anti-coagulants such as Apixaban or Rivoroxaban?

    • OhDannyBoy
      OhDannyBoy Pam143

      Posted

      Hello Pam, and thank you for taking the time to respond to my discussion.

      I believe Apixaban & Rivoroxaban are Eliquis and Xarelto respectively.

      I agree that the drugs you cited are better than Warfarin, but there is one drawback.  As of this writing, neither has an approved reversal agent.

      When the FDA approves a drug for them, I would definitely consider changing medications.

  • Pam143
    Pam143 OhDannyBoy

    Posted

    Recently I have been told that Xarelto has now got an antidote - at least it has here in the U.K.  I hope that will soon be the case for you - I presume you live in the US? 

    I hope you soon find a solution to this, it must be very worrying.

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