Having to stop Apixiban temporarily.

[RoyM]

I am due a minor surgical procedure on Friday.( REZUM procedure which reduces the size of the prostrate) What concerns me I have been told to cease my Apixiban for 24 hrs. Can anyone confirm their experiences if they have had need to temporarily stop their Apixiban. I have been in Permenent AF since 2016. Thank you Roy

[BobD Volunteer]

That is normal procedure Roy. When I had my prostate removed in 2011 I had to stop warfarin for a while before and after . The advantage with Apixaban is it has a very short half life so stoppage is very short time. Relax you will be fine.

[RoyM in reply to BobD]

Thank you Bob.

[Hidden]

Not Apixiban, had to stop warfarin twice. Most demanding was stopping for knee replacement surgery. Had to stop 6 days before but that was a warfarin only requirement, it took that long for my blood to return to normal. No sweat, as soon as I came round they gave me two injections of a bridging anticoagulant. No sweat. Then that night I went back on my warfarin. No sweat.

[RoyM in reply to Hidden]

Thank you carneuny

[10gingercats]

I had to stop Apixaban for a hip replace, surgery.I was ok.As Bob said it is normal to do this.

[RoyM in reply to 10gingercats]

Thank you Ginger

[bantam12]

I've had 2 ops since starting on Apixaban and stopped it for 5 and 7 days, no problems at all.

[RoyM in reply to bantam12]

Thank you Bantam

[CJDa]

I recently had to stop my anticoagulant for 15 days. I believe the protection lasts beyond that time but I did feel released to restart it. Best wishes

[RoyM in reply to CJDa]

Thanks CJD.

[TamlaMotown]

Hi Roy,I had surgery in March & had to stop Apixaban for 48hrs with no problem but I am not in permanent AF like you.Hope all goes well

[RoyM in reply to TamlaMotown]

Thanks Tania and fact I am in Permenent AF is the worry....thanks for your reply. Roy

[john-boy-92]

I have to stop taking Pradaxa when I have colonoscopies or a perinium biopsy. It hasn't been a problem for the AF. I had a 20mm diameter flat polyp removed where the stomach discharges into the colon. A week later when I was back on Pradaxa, the scar opened and I passed a lot of blood. A short stay in hospital during lockdown sorted that.

[RoyM in reply to john-boy-92]

Thank you

[dedeottie]

When my husband had a prostate biopsy he had to stop apixaban for about 4 days but instead had to give himself injections of heparin as it is short lasting. Then recently I had to stop for 48 hours for a pacemaker procedure. No heparin given. I was very anxious as before I was anticoagulated I had 3 TIAs. Anyway as it turned out all was well. The great thing with apixaban is that it doesn’t take long to be fully protected again. X

[RoyM in reply to dedeottie]

Thank you

[Tryfan]

Hi Roy. Just best of luck and all good wishes. I forget to take Apixaban from time to time. No effects. Though I don't recommend it as a strategy.

[RoyM in reply to Tryfan]

Thank you...the thing that concerns me is that I am in Permenent AF and Apixiban helps to keep my heart from creating blood clots and suffering a stroke. I feel very vunerable not taking that protection. My procedure takes place tomorrow (Friday) so only one more day without the protection. I appreciate all your replies. Thank you

[Tryfan in reply to RoyM]

Totally understand that. If it were me I'd take Apix as normal today. As soon as you get to hospital or ring if it's not until pm. Ask to speak with anesthetist or their dept. Explain timings of last dose and take advice. They are used to such things. The plus side is they will also be extra vigilant.

[Arthursullivan]

NHS guidelines say for full withdrawal 2-3 days so you are not coming off completely if that is any comfort

[RoyM]

Thank you Arthur

[Auriculaire]

I had to come off for 3 days before a hip op. Everything was fine and altogether I was off for 4 as I did not get a heparin jab till nearly 24 hours after the op. After 24 hours you will still have some Apixaban in your system.

[SuziElley]

I’m having three large lipomas removed and have been asked to stop my Apixaban for 48 hours

[Desanthony]

I am in permanent AF and have come of apixaban for various procedures and operations 24 hours usually for root canal work, and endoscopy and taking biopsies - while in permanent AF. Came off for 3 days prior to total knee replacement (was in NSR then after a CV) and then back on half dose for about a month to try and help with swelling and bruising which was in my consultants opinion more than I would have seen had I not been on apixaban and could also have taken anti inflammatories - though as everyone is different its hard to really say. Still no problems with the AF or heart when coming off and going back on.

[RoyM in reply to Desanthony]

Thanks Desanthony funnily enough a suffered a knee injury last year and the swelling was severe mainly due to taking Apixiban causing a bleed in my knee it took nearly a year for my knee to be considered normal again. Thanks for your reply. Roy

[Gain]

Roy, I had a gall bladder operation a year ago and had to stop apixiban. They gave me an injection in my tummy as soon as I arrived back in the ward. But, like you, I was quite worried before. You’ll be fine, they are quite used to dealing with people on anticoagulant. All the best and hope your problem is dealt with satisfactorily.

[Ablation7]

I am on xarelto and just had to go off it for a dental bone graft/implant. Surgeon recommended 48 hours. I was concerned as I still have afib events. Cardio said 24 hours. Went with that and no bleeding issues and no issue being without it. Good luck!

[Snowgirl65]

I had to stop Xarelto for three days before dental surgery. I had no problem.

[RoyM]

Just an update on my REZUM procedure on Friday. The procedure went well and was discharged after10 hrs. I expressed my concern to the surgeon and the Anaesthetist they both adviced I restart my Apixiban on Monday morning which equates to a total of five days without Apixiban. I am concerned and very tempted to re-start the Apixiban sooner. The procedure was fine, uncomfortable Yes. Was it painful No. The ceasing of Apixiban was and is far more stressful. Just not sure what to do, difficult to contact anyone over the weekend. Regards Roy