Steroids and Coumadin

RandyL · Apr 17, 2006

Has anybody taken Methylprednisolone(corticosteroids) while on Coumadin before? If so, what was the effects it had on your INR? I looked up what the effects were and this is what I found:

The effect of methylprednisolone on oral anticoagulants is variable. There are reports of enhanced as well as diminished effects of anticoagulant when given concurrently with corticosteroids. Therefore, coagulation indices should be monitored to maintain the desired anticoagulant effect.

I have a bad back which was aggrevated during my surgery and my nerve root is inflamed according to the MRI. They gave this for oral consumption before trying the shot in my back. My left thigh has been completely numb 24/7 since coming home from the hospital(40 days) and is very painful from time to time. The only cure after this would be surgery

If anybody has taken steroids before, just wanted to know if the INR goes up or down. Thanks

Blanche · Apr 17, 2006

Randy:
Al was on a short course of Methylprednisolne recently for pneumonia. He was also taking an antibiotic. His INR was all over the place. Given that he was quite ill, it's also likely that his body was producing less Vitamin K, so it's just to hard to tell what caused what. You'd be well advised to test frequently while taking the steriod.

Some time ago I had problems with my lower back. I used Lidoderm patches that were prescribed by the doctor. Helped a great deal. The doctor said that if I lost weight, the pain would diminish or go away. I gained weight and the pain went away...go figure. One size does not fit all.

Hope you find relief very soon.

Blanche

Guest · Apr 17, 2006

With steroids it seems that the dose and the length of time they are taken are the controlling factors. The higher the dose and the longer that you take it, the more likely the INR is to be high. For methylprednisolone, I would want a check after 3 to 5 days of taking 16 mg or more per day.

RandyL · Apr 17, 2006

allodwick said:
With steroids it seems that the dose and the length of time they are taken are the controlling factors. The higher the dose and the longer that you take it, the more likely the INR is to be high. For methylprednisolone, I would want a check after 3 to 5 days of taking 16 mg or more per day.

Well, I will be taking this pack for 6 days, Itake six pills the first day and reduce by one every day till I don't have anymore. They have to be taken at breakfast,lunch,dinner,and bedtime with food.

Guest · Apr 17, 2006

Usually the Dospak doesn't have enough methylpred for enough days in a row to cause a major change in the INR. The level may go moderately high for a day or two but if you reduce the dose of warfarin then the INR is going to go too low because the dose of the methylpred is being reduced also.

RandyL · Apr 17, 2006

I tested at 3.2 today and I was taking 11.5 mg per day. I am going to drop to 10mg per day and take the steroidpack and hopefully next Monday I will be close to being in Range.

What ya think?