Stopping Apixaban for colonoscopy

[Slooty]

Hi, I am having a colonoscopy on the 20th of July and was told I will need to stop taking my Apixaban, a day or two before the procedure. I am waiting for a phone call from the anticoagulant nurse to discuss this. I am worried about stopping the Apixaban because of the increased risk of clots, which can occur if you suddenly stop taking anticoagulants. Has anybody had any experience of this please?

[BobD Volunteer]

This is all quite normal including your anxiety. With apixaban I believe the drill is to not take the one before and start again right after the procedure but your anticoagulation nurse will confirm . The risk is very very small and probably less than the risk of bleeding during the procedure if you do not stop.

[Slooty in reply to BobD]

Thanks BobD that's very reassuring.

[Hidden]

I did what Bob said for an op and had no problems, and started again straight afterwards, all as I was advised to do.

[Slooty in reply to Hidden]

Great thanks for replying Cyrtis

[Hidden]

I had to stop before a gallbladder removal.

I think the wording on the instruction sheet is quite scary. My take on it is your risk of blood clot returns to the level it was before you started taking it, not that you are at even greater risk

[Slooty in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for replying Mikee69. You might be right, I didn't think of that.

[Maggimunro]

Hi Slooty, I have had 2 colonoscopies since taking Apixiban. I don’t take the one on the morning of the procedure but start again the evening of the procedure. The half life of Apixiban is only 12 hours, which is why you take it morning and night, so by the time you have your procedure the amount circulating in you system is negligible.

I also admit to taking the offered sedation and pain relief and can remember very little about the actual procedure.

[Slooty in reply to Maggimunro]

Thanks Maggimunro, I've opted for sedation also. I hope it has the same effect on me lol

[Hidden in reply to Slooty]

When I had mine they couldn't guarantee that the sedation wouldn't put me into AF so I had the procedure without.

The absolute worst part was trying to drink the prep solution and it's aftermath 😱🚽💩

There was entanox on hand if required but to be honest there was no pain. A bit of discomfort when they had to negotiate a corner but nothing worse than a mild toothache. Bonus was I could just get dressed and go home rather than have to wait for the sedative to wear off.

[Slooty in reply to Hidden]

I've been given picolax which isn't too bad apparently. There's not so much volume. I suffer with really bad health anxiety so the least I know during the procedure the better. That's why I opted for sedation

[Hidden in reply to Slooty]

Can't say I blame you.

All the best

[Slooty in reply to Hidden]

Thank you

[Thomas45]

My local hospital,noting I was on an anticoagulant, initially gave me one diagnostic colonoscopy while I continued on the anticoagulant. I chose not to be sedated, nor to have gas and air. During it they found 4 polyps. A fortnight later I stopped taking my anticoagulant, Warfarin, until my INR was near 1.0 , and had another colonoscopy, again without sedation or gas and air, and saw the 4 polyps removed. It was absolutely fascinating. The only drawback of having any colonoscopy is the bowel preparation,in my case Moviprep, but it's a minor inconvenience in reality.

[Slooty in reply to Thomas45]

Thanks Thomas45, I'm glad everything went well for you.

[Maggimunro]

Yuk the bowel prep is totally yuk

[Slooty in reply to Maggimunro]

Yes not looking forward to it.

[Pjt55]

I am off having a pain pump implanted into my spine so I have had to be off Eliguis for 5 days prior and 2 weeks post surgery. My chadz score is 4 so I have been nervous but it is doable , just make sure you ffg follow dr advice

[Slooty in reply to Pjt55]

Best of luck with your procedure. I've got to miss Sunday evening's dose and Monday morning's dose before my colonoscopy on Monday afternoon.

[Clivecsw]

Hi Slooty, yes this is normal- I had to have a similar op to confirm my prostate cancer, stopped the apixiban the day before and got back on it asap the day after! Did give me cause for concern but all was well, so don't worry x

[Slooty in reply to Clivecsw]

Cheers Clivecsw

[RoyMacDonald]

I had a colonoscopy about 4 weeks after my stroke and they did not tell me to stop taking my Apixaban. No problems.

All the best.

Roy