A Replacement for Warfarin?
On BBC Breakfast this morning, they were talking about a replacement for Warfarin, that would be just one pill a day.
For a lot of people, this will obviously be better and it is likely that the cost to the NHS will be less in terms of blood testing. But this new drug will not be cheap.
In a way, I think that the alternative of providing an up-to-date National Anticoagulant Service might be much better.
As an example, I’m moving to London in a few weeks, so I’ll have to get that sorted fairly quickly. But as I usually have to be tested every two weeks or so, I can envisage a few small problems, especially as I’ll be needed to be tested over Christmas.
The Anonymous Widower 
I think NHS need to take a long hard look at some of their current around prescribing, testing etc in many cases. I have T2 diabetes, When I was first diagnosed, I tested my own blood on a very regular meter using the precribed test strips. My diabetes was well controlled. Then they stopped precribing test strips and said that people with T2 didnt need to ever test their blood, as the annual check showed what was happening. Many people with T2 disagree with that, but the strips are typically £25.00+ for pack of 30 – 50, depending on the meter you use. So since they cant afford the strips they dont test. So, in common with many people, my control is poorer without the strips – I have tried to argue that since I have coeliac as well, and so foods such as bread and pasta contain very different types of carb from brand to brand, and new products are coming on the market all the time, the normal glycaemic index information isnt relevant.
What is happening to people with T2 alongside this is that one of the drug companies are paying for specialist nurses to go into surgeries and assess people with diabetes to see if going onto their very very expensive drug would benefit them. I have had my appointment, I have told GP that whilst in theory I am happy to go onto the expensive new drug, I want to first test my blood regularly – 2 or 3 times daily, because I firmly believe that will bring my blood levels back down at least some of the way. Even if NHS paid for the strips, it would be saving them a couple of hundred pound per month on one patient.
Comment by liz | November 17, 2010 |
I’ve just sussed out that my new surgery in london, handle all the Warfarin testing themselves, rather than use the local hospital. So that’s easy as it’s just a hundred metres round the corner.
But like you i’d prefer to be analysed regularly. As a control engineer by training, you always need feedback.
Comment by AnonW | November 17, 2010 |
My GP surgery does mine too, and its instant. The local hospitals will do it too but that’s generally go in the morning and get the results in the afternoon. If you happen to be heading for W. London then message me and I might be able to tell you where to look.
Comment by Char | November 17, 2010 |