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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Low Platelet Count While On Warfarin?

My father in law is 88 and has mild congestive heart failure. He has had several by-passes and has been on Warfarin for several years now. He was experiencing swelling and was prescribed water pills. His recent blood test shows that his platelets are at 73; last test they were at 90, both below normal. The doctor has taken him off of the Plavix he was taking after his by-pass surgery and reduced his Warfarin, but put him on aspirin. They did a biopsy for cancer in his bone marrow, which came out negative. We are concerned that he may not be receiving the right kinds/doses of medication and is at risk due to dropping platelet count. Is there anything else his doctors should be exploring?
posted on Tue, 9 Jan 2018
Twitter Wed, 25 Apr 2018 Answered on
Twitter Mon, 30 Apr 2018 Last reviewed on
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hello,

At this age, the risk for hemorrhagia is higher than in younger patient using Plavix, Warfarin and Aspirin drugs. That risk gets higher when these patients have thrombocytopenia.

So to avoid hemorrhagia, that is a serious risk it is necessary to avoid as much as possible these medications. Aspirin and Plavix both have a large risk.

So Aspirin can be used when platelets count is higher than 50. The Risk for thrombosis or Bypass occlusion is lower when platelets are low. I recommend to see platelets count routinely and to do what the doctor suggests.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Anila Skenderi
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What Causes Low Platelet Count While On Warfarin?

Hello, At this age, the risk for hemorrhagia is higher than in younger patient using Plavix, Warfarin and Aspirin drugs. That risk gets higher when these patients have thrombocytopenia. So to avoid hemorrhagia, that is a serious risk it is necessary to avoid as much as possible these medications. Aspirin and Plavix both have a large risk. So Aspirin can be used when platelets count is higher than 50. The Risk for thrombosis or Bypass occlusion is lower when platelets are low. I recommend to see platelets count routinely and to do what the doctor suggests. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Anila Skenderi