Coumadin

Hello I am on coumadin and wondering how long I would need to be off of the drug to undergo minor surgery in order to bring my blood levels in line to have the procedure?  Thank you\

[va_tony]

It depends on the type of surgery and your doctor's preference but it's usually 3 to 5 days.

[ReelEscape]

I went off for 5 days prior to serious dental surgery and my PT was 12.3 and INR was 1.  Went back on the night after the surgery.

[caregiver222]

The first thing to do it no tworry about what the blood levels are, but question the need for coumadin entirely. Your physician cannot suggest alternatives to coumadin. You must ask the question yourself and suggest you would like to consider an alternative.You may or may not require coumadin. Some people need it. But others can do well on alternative protocols. If you are off coumadin for a period of time ,you cannot simply "start again". You may have to begin again on an intravenous form of the drug for several days. DO NOT decide to go on and off coumadin without consulting your M.D.