What is anticoagulation?
Anticoagulation is the slowing down of the process of coagulation (blood clotting) using medicines. There are different types of treatments, injections for example Tinzaparin or tablets. The new types of anticoagulant tablets, sometimes called direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs), do not require monitoring.
Some patients are not able to take DOACs and require Warfarin or Phenindione, which requires monitoring by the anticoagulation clinic.
Why do I need anticoagulation?
There are two possible reasons. The first reason is that you may already have had a blood clot. In this case, your doctor wants you to take anticoagulant tablets to reduce the danger of further blood clots forming.
The second reason is that you have a condition that might lead to blood clotting. For example, an inherited condition, heart valve defect / replacement or an irregular heartbeat. Anticoagulant tablets are the usual treatment.
Why do I need to come to the Anticoagulant Clinic?
The Warfarin or Phenindione tablets can interact with other common medicines and herbal remedies and even with alcohol and some foods. For your safety, it is very important that we test your blood regularly to check that your blood is the right thickness. The result shows us if you are taking the correct amount of anticoagulant. We can make any adjustments that are necessary if your result is not quite right.
Types of Anticoagulant Clinics
The Anticoagulation Service in Gateshead operates 4 types of clinics:
- Stabilisation Clinic – on Monday afternoon, Tuesday afternoon, Wednesday morning, Thursday morning & Friday Morning. These clinics are for patients who require close monitoring or have recently started on anticoagulant tablets
- Hospital Stable Clinic – on Monday morning, Thursday morning and Friday afternoon. This clinic is for patients stable on anticoagulant tablets who wish to attend the hospital for monitoring.
- GP Stable Clinic – specific day for each GP Practice. These clinics are for patients stable on anticoagulant tablets who wish to attend their GP Practice or one close by for monitoring.
- Home Patient Clinic – This clinic is reserved for patients who are stable on warfarin and are unable to attend clinics because they are housebound.
Is there a standard dose of anticoagulant tablets that everyone can take?
No. There is no standard dose. Everybody needs their own specific, personal dose. This is why careful monitoring is required.
What happens in the anticoagulation clinic?
At the clinics the first person you meet is usually the receptionist who will book you in. At other clinics you need to wait in the waiting area. Next, you will be called to have a blood test. Usually, we can do this from a drop of blood from a finger. Sometimes we need to take some blood from a vein in your arm. We will then advise you on your anticoagulant dosing and your next appointment date.
What do I do if I can’t come for a clinic appointment or miss a clinic appointment?
If you cannot attend an appointment for any reason, please contact us on 0191 445 2317 to rearrange a date for a new appointment.
If you miss a clinic appointment, we will automatically send you a letter asking you to arrange a new appointment.
I come by ambulance to my clinic appointments, what do I do if my ambulance does not turn up?
If for any reason there is a problem with your ambulance booking, please contact the Ambulance Service who will be able to provide further advice on 0191 3017687.
Who should I contact in an emergency?
In an emergency (e.g., unexplained bleeding or bruising) you should obtain advice from your GP or the nearest Accident & Emergency Department.
Further Information
When you started on your anticoagulant you will have been given an “Oral Anticoagulant Therapy Information Pack” This provides information on the side-effects of anticoagulant tablets and a book where we record your current dose and blood results.
Contact Information
Anticoagulation Services
Anticoagulant Services
Pharmacy Department
Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust
Gateshead
NE9 6SX
(24 hr Voicemail service – please leave a message if member of staff is not available to take your call. We pick me messages each afternoon Mon-Fri and aim to deal with your enquiry the same day)
