No surgery, but genetic hypercoagulable state

[Fuzzball]

Hello,

I found myself here in a search for why my usual yearly Coaguchek XS PT INR test strip purchase was unexpectedly turned into an ordeal. For many years I have purchased on Ebay a 24 pack of Coaguchek XS PT INR test strips, and they last me until the following year, testing every 2 weeks. Suddenly this year Ebay dried up, and after much searching I was able to finally find some at an online medical supply, though the expiration date is only 10 months out. I live on the west coast, USA.

I do not have a heart condition. I have a genetic condition that the doctors called "Factor II Mutation - Hypercoagulable State", which caused me to have a pulmonary embolism (blood clots to the lungs) on two occasions. My liver is more efficient than average in producing blood clotting proteins out of Vitamin K. I take 10mg Coumadin/Sodium Warfarin per day, which I'm told is a lot. That keeps my INR between 2.3 and 3.1, my desired range.

So here I am looking to figure out what is going on with Coumadin, and to plan for next year. I have a Roche tester that I bought 8-9 years ago and, up until now, it has been a breeze getting supplies. Can someone tell me the straight and narrow version of what happened to the Ebay Coaguchek XS PT INR test strip market?

Thanks,

Fuzz

 

[pellicle]

So here I am looking to figure out what is going on with Coumadin, and to plan for next year. I have a Roche tester that I bought 8-9 years ago and, up until now, it has been a breeze getting supplies.

https://www.valvereplacement.org/threads/where-are-you-getting-your-supplies.889453/post-930885

Can someone tell me the straight and narrow version of what happened to the Ebay Coaguchek XS PT INR test strip market?

fear ... oh, and "Freedom" apparently.

 

[dick0236]

Hello,

I found myself here in a search for why my usual yearly Coaguchek XS PT INR test strip purchase was unexpectedly turned into an ordeal. For many years I have purchased on Ebay a 24 pack of Coaguchek XS PT INR test strips, and they last me until the following year, testing every 2 weeks. Suddenly this year Ebay dried up, and after much searching I was able to finally find some at an online medical supply, though the expiration date is only 10 months out. I live on the west coast, USA.

I do not have a heart condition. I have a genetic condition that the doctors called "Factor II Mutation - Hypercoagulable State", which caused me to have a pulmonary embolism (blood clots to the lungs) on two occasions. My liver is more efficient than average in producing blood clotting proteins out of Vitamin K. I take 10mg Coumadin/Sodium Warfarin per day, which I'm told is a lot. That keeps my INR between 2.3 and 3.1, my desired range.

So here I am looking to figure out what is going on with Coumadin, and to plan for next year. I have a Roche tester that I bought 8-9 years ago and, up until now, it has been a breeze getting supplies. Can someone tell me the straight and narrow version of what happened to the Ebay Coaguchek XS PT INR test strip market?

Thanks,

Fuzz

The vast majority of Coumadin/warfarin users take the drug for issues not related to heart valve surgery. There have been several drugs introduced that do not require periodic testing.....but not for valvers. That has caused the profitability of warfarin to decline.....along with no need for testing. Another problem is the "liabity" problems caused by patients misusing the drug with no, or little doctor supervision.......causing many doctors to stay away from prescribing warfarin for home users. I used to home test but have found much less hassle by subscribing to a coagulation clinic....that contracts with my doctor. I test bi-weelky with no cost to me.....or hassle to find strips.

Incidentally, since Coumadin lost it's patent protection, and Bristol, Myers stopped producing Coumadin, few, if any, potential Coumadin manufacturers want to compete with the low cost of warfarin.

 

[pellicle]

Incidentally, since Coumadin lost it's patent protection, and Bristol, Myers stopped producing Coumadin, few, if any, potential Coumadin manufacturers want to compete with the low cost of warfarin.

but there is still a very handy supply of it ... just like Aspirin or Paracetamol (Metoprolol ...)

 

[Chuck C]

Welcome to the forum.

I use to also buy on Ebay until they stopped allowing them to be sold there. My last purchase was with Self Care Depot: https://selfcaredepot.com/

You might have a hard time finding a 24 pack for which the expiration date is a year or more out, as you are seeking.

I have not done this myself, but apparently you can adjust the date on your Coaguchek back a few months to use strips that have recently expired, if you are comfortable doing so. I believe that Roche is very conservative with the expiration dates, meaning they are probably still good for some time after the official expiration, but that would have to be a calculated risk on your part if you wanted to use all 24 strips before buying a new package.

 

[pellicle]

quick point

I take 10mg Coumadin/Sodium Warfarin per day, which I'm told is a lot.

its not, heck I even know people here taking 17mg and this thread should open your eyes, here I'll start you on the eye popper.

https://www.valvereplacement.org/threads/the-largest-daily-dose-of-warfarin.26524/#post-464774

https://www.valvereplacement.org/threads/so-is-anybody-esle-on-17mg-aday.30095/

more if you search