Warfarin (INR) Clinics Clinig Warffarin
Based at Builth Wells and Llanwrtyd Wells Branch Surgery
Contact Numbers: Builth 01982 552207 Llanwrtyd 01591 610257
Clinic Times: Tuesdays & Wednesdays 12.00 till 1pm
Appointments are made via reception, your doctor or nurse
Warfarin is a medicine that is taken in tablet form to thin the
blood. Thinning the blood can help to prevent blood clots. This
may be important if you have had a blood clot in the past for example
a DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis) or PE (Pulmonary Embolus). It may
also be important if you have had heart valve surgery or have longstanding
heart rhythm problems.
If your doctor prescribes you Warfarin tablets it is important
to have a regular blood test to ensure its effects are optimised
and safe. The blood test is called an INR (International Normalised
Ratio).
The practice nurses run
weekly INR clinics.
At these clinics blood is taken and sent away to Hereford Hospital for testing. The INR result will usually be available the following day. Then the you will be advised on any alterations in warfarin dosing that may be needed.
Do not alter your warfarin dose unless instructed to do so by the nurse or doctor
The INR range is usually from 1 to 6.
1 is too low and you may be advised to increase the dose.
6 is too high (risk of bleeding) and you may be advised to stop warfarin dosing for a few days.
It is standard practice that the required warfarin dose should be taken at the same time each day. Preferably 6pm each evening.
The frequency of blood testing depends on each INR result. Usually testing will be necessary every few weeks but may vary, sometimes blood may need testing every few days.
If you take warfarin, please ensure all health professionals involved in your care (eg doctors, dentists, chiropodists) are aware of this.
A booklet is available from reception to help with managing warfarin
dosing. It contains further useful advice as well as a place for
recording the various INR results.