Apixaban

Hi, has anyone had spinal anaesthesia for surgery whilst taking Apixaban. I know I will have to stop taking it 48 hours prior to surgery. I thought I had seen somewhere that’s it’s not safe and I want to have my facts right before seeing anesthetist on Thursday.

[Hidden]

Hi stokessue, most of us are nervous about being asked to stop anticoagulation prior to a procedure or operation and it certainly a good idea to see if you can reach agreement for the minimum time possible. As I’m sure you are aware, we are not medically trained therefore do not really comment on advice or recommendations given by medics and I have no knowledge about spinal anaesthesia. However, for what it is worth, should a problem arise, you probably could not be better placed for clot busting treatment which is so crucial. Let’s hope the your concerns are unfounded and that you get the results you seek......best wishes..

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Thanks flap jack, I just wondered if anyone on here had had experience of this.

[lwm1198 in reply to Hidden]

I had knee replacement; was off Elliquis for two full days prior and had no problems...wasn't required to do anything special and restarted the day after surgery... Also had a separate injection for back pain and again no issues.

[Bowler60]

I was on rivaroxaban prior to knee replacement with spinal anaesthesia and told to stop taking it 1 week prior and replace with a daily injection for 3 weeks. Can’t remember what they were but they are self administered into stomach. You may have to do the same but consultant should advise.

[Hidden in reply to Bowler60]

Thanks so much Bowler 60, I will check with the anesthetist on Thursday how long I should stop taking it, it was the pre-op nurse who said 48 hours. Hope your new knee is serving you well xx

[afib187 in reply to Bowler60]

It was probably called Heparin.

[Dodie117]

It might be an idea to ask you EP as some medical staff don’t know much about the new(ish) anticoagulants and treat them like warfarin. However warfarin takes a long time to leave the system but apixaban takes less than a day. So double check.

Hope all hoes well for you.

[Mugster in reply to Dodie117]

I think for my knee replacement I took apixiban up to the day before ,and didn't take it on the morning. Whilst in hospital they administered an anticoagulant every day by injection

[Hidden]

Thanks

[Desanthony]

I have had spinal twice since being on apixaban and no problems - infact told it was the best thing to do. I had to stop apixaban 48 hours prior to my Total Knee Replacement (TKR) Surgery and went on a lower dose - half (2.5) for a month afterwards. I then had to have Manipulation Under Anaesthetic (MUA) as was not getting enough flexion after 8 weeks and that time came off for 48 hours before and on half dose for 2 weeks post. I had no problems whatsoever.

[Hidden in reply to Desanthony]

Thank you so much that’s put my mind at rest, don’t know what I had read before it was something about Apixaban and spinals I’m sure. X

[Desanthony]

Things change so much but please do check with your EP and surgeon to ensure that they both know what is going on. I tell nearly everyone I came into contact with that I was on apixaban and had AFib - even the cleaners, the catering staff and other patients - LOL

[Hidden in reply to Desanthony]

Yes I must admit that I feel like that some times and also my left arm has Lymphodeama so no needles or bp cuffs. Feel like writing on it in indelible ink in case anything happens when I am out of it. I’m sure someone once told me that life is less complicated when you get older! That’s a load of rubbish for a start. 🤣