Drug Response - Warfarin (Coumadin) Dose
Warfarin dose can be estimated genetically, avoiding dangerous side-effects
Warfarin Dose
The inherited forms of the VKORC1, CYP2C9, CYP4F2 & GGCX genes are reported. Enter this information at the WarfarinDosing.org website, along with clinical information such as age, sex and weight to estimate your dose. Or, we can do this for you.
Buccal swabs ... blood not required.
5-day standard turnaround time.
CPT codes 83891, 83900, 83901x7, 83909x7, 83914x2, 83912, 83912-26
NPI 1467 7837 53 $440
May need preauthorization
One dose does not fit all! Warfarin prevents blood clots that cause heart attack, stroke, and pulmonary embolism. It is a blood thinner, the only oral anticoagulant approved by the FDA.
The right dose varies at least 10-fold depending on genetic factors. The right dose provides adequate anticoagulation with a low risk of serious bleeding. Risks of heart attack and stroke are minimized and catastrophic hemorrhage is avoided.
The FDA strongly recommends using genetic information at the start of warfarin therapy to estimate the right dose. Variation in genes central to warfarin activity (VKORC1, GGCX) and clearance (CYP2C9, CYP4F2) is identified. This test is more complete than tests offered elsewhere, allowing better dose estimation. Insurance or your health savings account may cover the cost of this test.
Enter the genetic information at the WarfarinDosing.Org website, or we can do this for you. The website is hosted by the International Warfarin Pharmacogenetics Consortium with the stated intention of improving warfarin dosing. Both genetic and clinical information, such as age, sex, height and weight are used. If you are a patient, review this information with your physician. Do not change your warfarin dose without approval of your physician!
While the genetic information provided by this test is expected to be extremely useful, no claim is made that all aspects of warfarin metabolism are investigated. It is absolutely essential that you and your doctor work together to maintain the right level of warfarin dose for you. Useful information on living with warfarin is given here, provided by the University of Michigan Health System.