What is Warfarin Monitoring?

What is Warfarin Monitoring?

Warfarin monitoring (or the long name of Community Pharmacy Anticoagulant Service) is available at My Pharmacy Papamoa Plaza.

This service allows you to have your warfarin treatment monitored at the pharmacy. One of our accredited pharmacists performs your INR test using a point of care device and to make adjustments to your warfarin dose with the help of a decision support system. This provides a much faster and smoother process for warfarin management.

The point of care device allows the pharmacist to perform an INR test by using just one drop of blood from the finger tip. The device will calculate an accurate result within a matter of seconds. Our pharmacists then use the INR Online computer system to record your result and your warfarin dose regime. These dose changes are made immediately after a test is performed removing the need to contact a patient later on to tell them of their new dose.
A calendar will also be printed detailing what dose to take on every day of the month.

Our Pharmacists are highly skilled in medicines management, and operate this service under a Standing Order agreement between the pharmacy and your doctor. The GP retains overall responsibility for a patient’s management and can intervene at any time.

The pharmacist is also able to consult with the GP regarding any abnormal or sudden changes in results. This service is offered as a collaboration between pharmacists and GPs for the benefit of the patient. All results are also sent directly to the GPs computer system so that they always have a clear picture of the treatment progress.