For patients requiring anticoagulation therapy, regulating their medication to meet therapeutic levels can be a challenge—especially in the early stages of therapy. The slightest adjustment to blood thinning medications, the addition of other medications such as antibiotics, and dietary changes can affect INR levels.

Fairview Lakes Health Services hosts five convenient anticoagulation clinics in the Lakes system to help monitor and ensure the safety of patients who use blood thinners, such as Warfarin (brand name, Coumadin™). Some conditions that require anticoagulation therapy are blood clotting disorders, atrial fibrillation (irregular heartbeats) and patients with artificial heart valves.

Patient education and regular INR monitoring are key factors to the success of therapy. Patients are given extensive information on dietary, exercise and social habits (such as smoking, drinking alcohol) as well as a drug interaction guide (over-the-counter and prescription) that may impact the effectiveness of the anticoagulation medications.

Convenient clinic locations (updated 5-15-08)

Chisago Lakes Clinic             All day Tuesday, Friday
Lino Lakes Clinic                    Tuesday afternoon, Thursday morning
North Branch Clinic                 Monday morning, Thursday afternoon
Rush City Clinic                        All day Wednesday
Wyoming Clinic                        Monday afternoon, Tuesday morning,
                                                    Wednesday until 6 p.m., all day Thursday and Friday

For more information, call the clinic of interest to set up an appointment.