Monitor your INR closely when taking Prednisone. Prednisone can impact your INR, potentially making it harder to manage blood thinning medications like warfarin.
Frequency of INR testing should increase while on Prednisone. Your doctor might recommend more frequent blood tests, perhaps twice weekly, depending on your individual response and medication dosage. This allows for prompt adjustments to your warfarin dose to maintain your INR within the therapeutic range.
Dosage adjustments are common. Because Prednisone can affect how your body processes warfarin, your doctor will likely adjust your warfarin dose to compensate. This is a highly personalized process, guided by your INR results.
Communicate openly with your healthcare provider. Report any changes in your health, including bleeding or bruising, to your physician immediately. This is crucial for ensuring your safety and effective medication management. Provide your doctor with a complete medication list, including any over-the-counter drugs or supplements.
Expect potential interactions. Besides warfarin, Prednisone can also interact with other medications, therefore, transparency about all medications is vital.
Understand potential side effects. Prednisone itself carries potential side effects, including increased risk of bleeding. Combined with blood thinners, this necessitates vigilant monitoring.
Maintain a consistent diet. Dietary changes can affect your INR, and maintaining consistency is especially crucial while managing both Prednisone and warfarin. This provides predictability in your INR levels.
Be patient and persistent. Managing INR effectively while on Prednisone requires ongoing monitoring and adjustments. Work closely with your doctor for the best results.
