Warfarin or the new Anticoagulants Xarelto (Rivaroxaban) or Pradaxa (dabigatran)
Posted by Firemansam
3 Dec 2012
Many of you who read my blogs know I keep banging on about your therapeutic range, which is measured in percentage of times your are within your range and The Gold Standard is 60%. At your next INR visit, why not ask your provider what your percentage is, it might surprise you. For those with excel can get a free spreadsheet that automatically works out your therapeutic range.
A new study published in the March 2012 American Heart Journal looked at whether the Pradaxa® medication or warfarin was more cost-effective for you. The study found that if you can keep your time in INR (International Normalized Ratio) target range at or above 73% - warfarin is a more cost-effective choice for patients.1
How do you keep your test results in range at or over 73%? The answer may be weekly self-testing. Several studies have shown that by testing weekly (even if you are a stable warfarin patient) you can improve your time in range. 2,3 Weekly testing is practical and easily done by patients who self test in the privacy of their home. Share with your doctor your desire to self test as self testing begins with a prescription.
This confirms my personal opinion on weekly self-testing and self-dosing for those who are capable. Would like to hear other views, so please keep blogging.