What size tablet do you normally get?

[just1gary]

Silly question, but what size tablet of warfarin/coumadin do you get?

I take 3 mg 5 days a week and then 2 mg 2 days a week, so I normally get the 2 mg tablet. I know my dose is pretty low compared to most but I would prefer to get the 1 mg tablets due to my INR being so incosistent but I heard there are extra cost getting the 1 mg tablets in comparison to the larger tablets.

 

[JimL]

I have two prescriptions, for 5 mg and 6 mg, which works out well. I get a 90-day supply of each at once. Since my weekly dosage is roughly 33 or so mg, I get a six months' supply at once, which means I don't run out.

 

[Ross]

I use 5mg tablets. As Clicker Mark pointed out, many pharmacies have the $4 for 30 days or $10 for 90 days deal.

 

[corrineinwa]

Peter is still newly post-op and has been on 2mg since getting home (just under a week ago).

They gave me 2mg and 5mg to come home with.

 

[lance]

We stock ...................

We stock ...................

1, 2, 5, and 10 mg tablets. My spouse and I both use warfarin and those sizes cover our needs.

 

[ALCapshaw2]

As Clicker hinted, the SIZE depends on the manufacturer.
Some are round, some oblong. I would have to measure them to determine their exact SIZE.

When it comes to DOSE, Dose is highly dependent on the Metabolism of each patient. Fast Metabolizers typically require a "Larger" Dose while Slow Metabolizers typically require a "Smaller" Dose.

Several factors affect Metabolism, especially physical activity. The amount of fluid in the body is another factor, as is Vitamin K. Studies have shown that a consuming a consistent amount of vitamin K daily leads to a more stable INR.

SIZE of the Patient is mostly insignificant in determining the necessary DOSE for that patient to maintain a stable INR within their Designated Range.

'AL Capshaw'

 

[catwoman]

I buy 1, 2 and 10mg and split them. Having the 1mg allows me to adjust my dosage by 0.5mg + whatever, as needed. Splitting the larger mg sizes allows me to $tretch a bottle much farther than if I were to buy 1s and 5s.

My dosage is 5.0 right now, but has been as much as 6.5-7 at times.

 

[Lisa in Katy]

I currently have 7.5 and 1. It's always nice to have 1's for when small adjustments need to be made. However, if your doctor writes the prescription for 30 2mg pills, the pharmacy will fill as directed, not break it down into 60 1mg pills (unless they are out of 2mg pills and don't have a choice). If you have insurance, I believe that if he writes the prescription as 60 1mg pills, you will get charged for 2 months worth, at least that's how my plan works.

 

[Bina]

Gary, I take the same dose as you do.
I have found that just buying a larger quantity reduces the cost considerably.
Buying 60 pills of 2mg and 60 pills of 3mg keeps me well stocked.
If I need to increase my weekly dose by 1 mg, it's just a matter of switching my pills on one day.
Simple! No need to ever split a pill.

 

[ALCapshaw2]

Gary, I take the same dose as you do.
I have found that just buying a larger quantity reduces the cost considerably.
Buying 60 pills of 2mg and 60 pills of 3mg keeps me well stocked.
If I need to increase my weekly dose by 1 mg, it's just a matter of switching my pills on one day.
Simple! No need to ever split a pill.

EXACTLY!

By purchasing 2 different Doses that are 1 mg apart it is possible to adjust over a 7 mg range and yet take ONLY ONE PILL per day (minimizing cost) in 1 mg steps.

In Bina's example this would work out to be
2.2.2.2.2.2.2 = 14 mg/week
2.2.2.3.2.2.2 = 15 mg/week
2.3.2.2.2.3.2 = 16 mg/week
2.3.2.3.2.3.2 = 17 mg/week
3.2.3.2.3.2.3 = 18 mg/week
3.2.3.3.3.2.3 = 19 mg/week
3.3.3.2.3.3.3 = 20 mg/week
3.3.3.3.3.3.3 = 21 mg/week

This can also be done for 3 and 4 mg doses,
or 4 and 5 mg doses, etc.

If you buy Double Doses and split them,
you can save even more, but do you really want to split
182 pills per year to save $20?

'AL Capshaw'

 

[Tbone]

They are always changing my dosages. I find that in my case keeping the five mg. tablet works for me. I'm sorry I couldn't give you any more information that has not already been covered.

 

[dick0236]

I have been very fortunate over the years and have been able to use some multiple of 5 mg (0, 2.5, 5, 7.5 or 10) to maintain an INR between 2.5-3.5. I keep only 5mg on hand and "split" when required.

I don't think the INR test (finger stick or lab) is so accurate as to require "micro-managing" warfarin dosage. As long as I stay somewhere between 2.5-3.5(under 3.8), I am, and so is my doc, comfortable. My normal dose is 5mg/daily with very infrequent +/- 2.5/5 mg adjustments.

Personally, I think frequent testing is the "key" to maintaining a reasonably consistant INR. I have tested bi-weekly for the last couple years and am able to modify habits or diet enough to maintain INR with very few warfarin adjustments.

 

[Freddie]

I only have 1's and 5's for my 6mg everyday dosage.
I have 100 day supply of each. If needed, I just add or minus 1mg.
It works for me.

 

[Bridgette]

Same as Freddie - 5mg and 1mg tablets.

We have 3mg tabs available in NZ but not 2mg.

 

[sue943]

When I started all this I was given 1mg, 3mg and 5mg pills so that I could mix and match as dosage changed. I have been on 5.5mg dosage for ages now and had been taking 5mg one day and 6mg the next so then I asked my GP to prescribe some .5mg too so that I can take the straight 5.5mg each day.