Need Help With INR

[jkn2kids]

All-
Today my INR level was 1.6.I'm supposed to be between 2.5 and 3.0.I have a mechanical valve and worry about low INR readings.My last INR was 2.2 and the one before that was 1.6.I have not eaten anything out of the ordinary.I have taken my coumadin at different times in the evening (6pm-11pm).My Dr draws my blood and gives me the results the next day.I'm thinking about getting my own machine to try and get this under control.My Dr has me on 7.5mg today,then 5mg (normal dose) on fri,sat,and sun.Next Mon.and thurs I take 7.5 again.Does this sound right? Any help will be greatly appreciated.

 

[geebee]

What coumadin doses did you take in the week before the 1.6 reading?

 

[ALCapshaw2]

You can't beat AL Lodwick's "Dosing Guide" for $5 through his website www.warfarinfo.com

Is there a high volume Coumadin Clinic or Anti-Coagulation Clinic available near you? Clinics that manage large numbers of Coumadin patients typically do a MUCH better job of managing anti-coagulation patients than small clinics or individual practicioneers, including physicians. Home Testers seem to do even better.

'AL Capshaw'

 

[jkn2kids]

I have been taking 5mg a day since my surgery.

 

[geebee]

I am assuming he is having you take 5mg next Tuesday and Wednesday? If so, he is increasing your weekly dose by 15% which just might be enough.

If I were below 2.0, I would increase by 20% which would be 7.5mg X 3 days and 5mg X 4 days. Not a big difference from your new dose of 7.5mg X 2 days and 5mg X 5 days but 2.5mg a week can make or break keeping you in range. However, I like to keep myself on the higher end of my range rather than the lower.

I agee with Al that getting the dosage chart would be very helpful.

BTW - I am not a medical professional and am only offering what I would do, not prescribing for you.