Risk factors for people taking warfarin

Alcohol affects INR values

Large quantities of alcohol have a coagulative effect. The chronic consumption of alcohol, however, has a reverse effect, i.e. blood coagulation is reduced. Alcohol should be taken in moderation. Always ask your doctor for further advice.

Interferences when testing with CoaguChek systems

Hematocrit outside the standard range (25 - 55 %) can interfere with your CoaguChek INRange results.  Conditions such as polycythemia or anemia e.g. conditions such as cancer or iron deficiency can alter your INR.

Lupus anticoagulant INR abnormally high: The presence of anti-phospholipid antibodies (APAs) such as Lupus antibodies (LA) can potentially lead to prolonged clotting times, i.e. elevated INR values. A comparison to an APA-insensitive laboratory method is recommended if the presence of APAs is known or suspected.

Avoid irregular consumption of vegetables and other foods high in vitamin K.

The following foods are amongst those high in vitamin K and should be eaten with care (avoid eating a lot one day and nothing the next):

• Fish, liver, spinach, cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, brussels sprouts and kale
  

Herbal products (herbal teas) may also influence your INR. So can vitamins and minerals, homeopathic medicines, traditional medicines like Traditional Chinese medicines, probiotics, and nutritional supplements such as amino acids and essential fatty acids.

For greater control of your INR, self-monitoring can be done at your convenience using your own CoaguChek^® INRange meter with permission from your physician.