Lower Dose of Coumadin?

[Jkm7]

I read the following post on a HeartTalk Section Thread: (written by Louise)

Glad you joined us. I also have an OnX valve and I'm very happy with it. I was not as brave as you are by joining the study. Several OnXers here are part of that study.

I'm hoping you and the others will share each part of your experience as I chose the OnX in the hopes that someday no coumadin. In the words of my surgeon though, he said he does not think we'll ever be coumadin free, but a reduced dosage is always a possibility. We have to wait for the clinical trial data to know for sure.

Welcome to VR.com

I'm confused .....again.

If one has to take coumadin, what is the difference if it is a higher or lower dose? What advantage would there be to still being on ACT with lower dose/range? What was her surgeon's point?

Still the same testing, still daily dosing; still same (if any) risks etc

Thanks if you can clear this up for me as I have finally grasped a high dose or low dose is only pertinent in that it keeps the patient into the proper range for them.

 

[Bina]

I believe what they meant is a Lower INR Range in the future for OnX valves.

 

[geebee]

I believe the thinking is that you would have less of a chance for a bleed if your range is lower.

 

[Jkm7]

Ahaaa.... Thanks.

 

[Ross]

I really don't see why it's an issue. The lowest they could go I would think would be 2.0 and that's not all that different from 2.5. Just a few milliseconds.

 

[marciemarine]

I've been very lucky. My two OnX valves (aortic and mitral) have been great for the nearly two years and my coumadin dosage has been stable for over a year: 1mg. on Sunday and Wednesday, and 1/2mg. on the other 5 week days! I hope you all have such good luck with these valves. Marcie

 

[westie]

very low doseage

very low doseage

marciemarine

are you saying you only need to take 4.5 mgs of warfarin per week to stay in range?

i guess most of us need to take at least that much per day!

westie

 

[Ross]

I've been very lucky. My two OnX valves (aortic and mitral) have been great for the nearly two years and my coumadin dosage has been stable for over a year: 1mg. on Sunday and Wednesday, and 1/2mg. on the other 5 week days! I hope you all have such good luck with these valves. Marcie

What is your INR range?

 

[Ross]

marciemarine

are you saying you only need to take 4.5 mgs of warfarin per week to stay in range?

i guess most of us need to take at least that much per day!

westie

Some people metabolize the drug very slowly and others, very fast. Whatever dose keeps you in range is the correct dose for you.

 

[marciemarine]

Westie: Yes, I only take such a low dose and stay in range. I get a test once a month or more if my doctor tells me to. I'm super lucky! My INR range is 2.0 to 3.0 since I had two valves replaced.

 

[MNmom]

Benefit?

Benefit?

Westie: Yes, I only take such a low dose and stay in range. I get a test once a month or more if my doctor tells me to. I'm super lucky! My INR range is 2.0 to 3.0 since I had two valves replaced.

I agree you are lucky to be in range, but as already asked, is there a benefit for those of you who take minimal amounts of coumadin over those of us who need more to stay in range? Either way we would be in our range, and doesnt that mean we would all have the same risks with INRs above someone who doesnt take any coumadin?

 

[marciemarine]

MNMom
I agree. The benefits of a low dose over a higher dose are probably minimal, if any, if they keep us in range. Good question!

 

[Bina]

I take 19 mg per week.
If I eliminated more Vitamin K in my diet I could probably take a lower dose, but I prefer to eat some greens and take a bit more Coumadin.

 

[Cooker]

40 per week and I eat what I want....I am concerned with staying in range and don?t care what my weekly dose is......that?s just me.

 

[Jkm7]

MNMom
I agree. The benefits of a low dose over a higher dose are probably minimal, if any, if they keep us in range. Good question!

That IS the question I asked starting this thread.

 

[geebee]

If someone's range is 2.0-3.0, it doen't change bleeding chances whether they take 5mg or 50mg to get in range. The only difference might be that each could be impacted differently by dosage changes. Usually, if you take a higher dose, your INR will drop faster if you lower your dose or skip a dose.

 

[Dina]

Also, it seems that any side effects that you may have with a larger dose may be decreased if you are on a lower dose. Im not sure how important
this may be for you , but for those with side effects like alopecia this may
be helpful.