Rivaroxaban / endoscopy

[Mikeray]

Hello, I hope someone might be able share their experience.

I am taking Rivaroxaban 20mgs a day for Afib. I have to have a Endoscopy gastroscopy with biopsys taken this week and I am getting conflicting advice about when to stop the Rivaroxaban before the procedure. I been told to stop 24 hours before and also just stop the morning of the procedure. I take my medication in the morning at 9am. The procedure is at 8:30 and I'm wondering if anybody has had this problem and could share their experience. Regards to all.

[jonjub]

I have had this procedure and like you had conflicting instructions from no need to stop, dont take that mornings tablet and stop 48 hours before the procedure. I think i am right in saying that Rivaroxaban has a short effective life so the not taking that days tablet can make sense. In the end i settled for 24 hours. I am not qualified to advise you but this was my experience.

[Mikeray in reply to jonjub]

Thank you for your reply.

[Kaz747]

How coincidental. I’m on Rivaroxiban and am going to hospital today for a gastroscopy. I’ve had two phone calls from my gastroenterologist and also had a discussion with my EP about this, especially in light of the fact that when I was off Rivaroxiban for 48 hours before an ablation I had a blood clot form so the ablation was canceled. I take my medications in the mornings so had my last Rivaroxiban on Sunday morning. I have missed yesterday’s dose and today’s. The gastroenterologist said to bring the medication to the hospital and I may be able to have it after the procedure, depending on whether they need to take biopsies or not.

[Mikeray in reply to Kaz747]

Thank you for your reply.

[Kaz747 in reply to Mikeray]

I’m home from the hospital now. The doctor took 8 biopsies so I have to wait until tomorrow to restart Rivaroxiban. I’ve been in AF most of the day. It was interesting watching the monitor when I was back in recovery with my pulse rate ranging between 36 and 86 - the joys of AF.

[Mikeray in reply to Kaz747]

Glad your over it, hope the AF subsides quickly. All the best.

[Hidden]

I had this done last year. I was told to stop 48 hours before the procedure.

Also, to limit the risk of triggering AF I elected to have it done without sedative after discussing with the guy that was doing the procedure.

Quite an experience seeing your insides on the screen!

It was not painful in any way, slight discomfort from being full of air, and a funny sensation when they had to move stuff around to get around corners

All the best

M

[Kaz747 in reply to Hidden]

You’re braver thank me Mike. I’m happy being out of it and not knowing what they are doing.

[Mikeray in reply to Hidden]

I am having the procedure in the morning, so i think il give the rivaroxaban a miss today

and tomorrow and hope for the best. Thanks again to all that replied.

[njacquard]

Your GP,and your anti-coagulant clinic together with your haemotologist are responsible for sorting out your medication prior to any procedure. They SHOULD have done a letter for the consultant who is doing the procedure! If not, you will have to step up and make sure they are doing their job. I just had a bronchoscopy on Friday, so my advice is based on that.

[Mikeray in reply to njacquard]

Thank you for your reply.

[SJB1234]

I was on Apixaban and had to stop 24hours before ablation, then they found clot so had ablation cancelled.