INR dropped to 1.5

[Taysgrama]

OK - here I go again.....just tested my level and I am at 1.5 right now. Was at 2.9 2 weeks ago. I take 2.5mg per day....should I just take an additional 1/2 tablet with my 2.5mg or should I up it to 5mg tonight and test in a few days? I had my normal 4 green veggies this week (brocolli, peas, brussel sprouts and a salad) so no change there. Did not have any alcohol but was sick with the stomach flu for 2 days. They like me to stay between 2.5 - 3.5...Thanks all..........

 

[Faye]

Diana,
At 1.5, I think you should be a little concerned. If it were me, I would be giving myself Lovenox injections or if I didn't have Lovenox on hand, I would be heading to the ER for some - until my INR was above 1.8.

 

[tex]

Diane i agree with what Faye has said that is low and when mine has been that low Lovenox is always given.
I am still trying to get my head round the dosage and when to increase and not but the guys on here wil be able to help you on the dosage, like they have me many times.
Hope you get it sorted.
Take Care
Jane

 

[Ross]

If you had the stomach flu and your over it now, I'd take 5mg now and then resume normal dosing, but test in 4 days to make sure your not going to go too high.

You could probably do nothing and it will be in range again soon, but being that low now, I would increase just a tad for the time being. It's not going to bring your INR up any faster, which is why I wouldn't increase it much at all.

 

[Karlynn]

Sounds like stomach flu is the culprit. Probably inhibited the absorption of the Coumadin. I agree with Ross' suggestion.

 

[Taysgrama]

Well, I thought I was over the stupid stomach flu but got up this morning and it is back with a vengeance. I took 3.75mg warafin last night since it was already late when I tested and I knew I wouldn't get many responses til this morning. So, shoulod I go ahead and take 5mg tonight and retest in a few days? I don't really think I will be eating much today since my stomach is so upset. I can't even drink much water without ending up in the restroom. Not good. Since I have not really seen my new cardio for my PT/INR, I really did not want to call him last night with my low INR so if I am not up in the next few days, I will have to call him. Thanks Jane, Ross, Karlynn and Faye!

 

[Bina]

I would take another 3.75 mg dose tonight and look into a Lovenox shot for today.
Your INR could actually rise soon since you are not eating greens.
Can you try to get down some soda crackers or a bit of homemade chicken broth?

 

[Ross]

You don't want to be under 2 for any great length of time. See about Lovenox until your above 2.0.

 

[ALCapshaw2]

You will need a Prescription from a Medical Doctor to get Lovenox injections.

You can get this from ANY Doctor, including your Primary Care Physician if you are not familiar with your new Cardio.

OR, you can go to any ER.

My suggestion is to call your Primary Care Physician (or whoever takes his calls on weekends), explain your situation, and see what s/he recommends. That may be to go to an ER for the injections. You will need to be shown how to Self Administer the injections as it is necessary to inject every 12 hours until your INR is within range (I believe you said 2.5 to 3.5).

'AL Capshaw'

 

[geebee]

I would test again today just to see where you are. If you are higher and closer to 2.0, you are on the rise and may be okay without Lovenox. However, I think a call to the doctor is definitely in order if you are still under 2.0.

 

[Guest]

I can't even drink much water without ending up in the restroom. Not good.

Try some gatorade, a little sip at a time, popsicles, or sprite, you may be getting dehydrated.

 

[Taysgrama]

INR Up finally

INR Up finally

Good morning all - I just restested and my INR is up to 3.0. Woo hoo. I am so excited! I took 3.75mg on Saturday and 5.0 mg on Sunday so I am hoping that it stays up now. I still have this stupid stomach flu - called the doctor and she said that it lasting close to 4-5 days. I am now on day 4 so hopefully I am on the down slide. I sure hope no one else gets this crap. It is the worst flu I have ever had. Between the headache and the gurgling in my belly (which of course leads to a million bathroom trips) and the severe cramps, I thought I was gonna die there for a few days.

Thanks all for your input in regards to my INR. It is greatly appreciated, as always! On another note, I have my testing at CCF on Friday, so hopefully we can get to the bottom of my issues! Hope everyone is feeling good and doing well.

 

[Ross]

Just be aware that your INR is likely to be messed up for a while yet. Might be a good idea to check it every 4 days for a bit.

 

[Taysgrama]

Thanks Ross - I will do that. I ordered more test strips this morning and they are supposed to be here Wednesday via UPS so I will test again on Thursday to see where I am. Since I am not eating much, I think I would have dropped lower had I not taken more warafin Saturday and Sunday! Hoping I can eat more today, but not holding my breathe!