Eliquis and Pacemaker procedure

[37Polly]

I am having a pacemaker installed and am fearful of going off Eliquis. I know I will bleed less Nd this is good, however I have been having frequent afib and have a strong family history of stroke, having lost two siblings in last two years. Does anyone know how long you can be off Eliquis without risk of blodclots before it becomes an issue?

[Dawsonmackay]

I don’t know about Eliquis but I was off of Xarelto for about 2 days when I had ablations

[BobD Volunteer]

What has your consultant said about stopping? I recently had an ablation whilst fully anticoagulated on warfarin. This seems to be the modern thinking. My INR had to be between 2.5 and 3.5 for a month before they would do it.

Years ago they used to stop warfarin five days before and use clexane injections to bridge..

[CDreamer]

I recently had PM revision which involved removing some wires, removing and then repositioning the PM which took about 3hours. I didn’t take my A/C the morning of the procedure, I was given bridging injection soon after and took my normal dose in the evening. No problems.

[CDreamer]

PS - they used a tool similar to cauterisation - to ensure I didn’t bleed excessively and I was just surprised at how little blood there was. Placement is normally a much quicker procedure - about 1hr?

[37Polly]

I was to have this a few days ago, and it was postponed as I hadn’t stopped my eliquis, on instruction of the PA. Now my EP says I must stop two days before so I would like some idea of how long is safe. I am rescheduled and nervous.

[Hidden]

Hello 37Polly

As your EP has advised to pause your anticoagulation, then this is likely to be their method. Did you highlight your concerns? I hope that they were able to reassure you.

As I am sure you are aware, each person is different, so we cannot give an idea of how long it is safe to be without anticoagulant.

Eliquis has a fairly short "half life" of 12 hours, after which it's effectiveness begins to lessen.

When have you been rescheduled for? Perhaps you can email your consultant and highlight your concerns and ask for reassurance if you have received none as yet.

If you have any questions regarding pacemakers, AF or anticoagulants, please do not hesitate to get in touch - [e-mail]

Kind regards

Rachel - AF Association Patient Services

[37Polly]

Thank you for your help. I have now spoken with my EP’s assistant and she apologized for the confusion as she confirmed that there was an initial decision to keep me ON Eliquis as I have family history of fatal stroke. This is why I am nervous. That plus recent afib events. I am scheduled for early January. And hopeful. I appreciate your advice.

[teenymak]

I have to go off mine for a hyposcopy in coming weeks also worried as my Afib is usually 3-5 days straight with maybe one to two days normal rhythm and continues on like that. They want me to go 3 days without it. Have you asked your cardiologist

?

[37Polly in reply to teenymak]

I will see my cardiologist three days before the procedure and query him about decision. I fear that because it is done in an outpatient surgery center it may be the center’s policy.(with hospital next door) I will check that too. I will be relieved when this is over🤞

[Sayer]

Sorry cannot help. I was on warfarin when my pacemaker was fitted. But your procedure is common and cardiologists are well versed and experienced in the procedure so I would advice follow their advice. Good luck and enjoy your Christmas.