Warfarin for atrial fibrillation

I know this is a question I need to ask my doctor, but until I get a chance to ask, does anyone know how long people generally stay on warfarin (Coumadin) for afib? I had one episode of afib in December. As far as we know that was the first and only episode we are aware of. (My pacemaker event recorder has not recorded any since that one.) How long would I need to go without another episode before they might consider discontinuing warfarin?
Vonnie

4 Comments

warfarin

by thomast - 2008-04-30 07:04:38

I don't know of course, but I suspect like me that you will be on it forever. I get checked each month and the dose adjusted if needed.

Duration of Warfarin

by BettyB - 2008-04-30 08:04:09

My doctors discontinued the Warfarin after six months. It's been almost two and a half years since the PM was implanted, and there have been no significant problems. I do hope your Warfarin can be stopped after a while. The frequent blood tests can be a real pain, can' t they? Best wishes to you.
BettyB

warfarin

by jimbogeowiz - 2008-04-30 09:04:07

Like thomast I would guess that you will be on it for the long term. I was placed on warfarin last January after a bout of a-fib resulted in a TIA. I am hoping to get off it at some time because the meds have completely gotten rid of the a-fib. However, the docs tell me no. Especially since I have a PM inserted recently. I do not like taking it but they insist. Keep asking because everyone is different and every case is unique. I have gotten used to it but I hope you are able to get off it as some point. Good luck. Also, wouldn't you think the pharmaceutical companies could come up with something better after all they years people have had to deal with coumadin?

warfarin

by huskersnb2 - 2008-04-30 11:04:07

i was on it for around 10 months to a year and they took me off of it everyone is different good luck duane

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It may be the first time we've felt a normal heart rhythm in a long time, so of course it seems too fast and too strong.