Colonoscopy and Apixaban

[Dodie117]

I am having a colonoscopy next week.

what was your experience re Apixaban - did you stop or continue to take it.

[TracyAdmin Partner]

Please contact the medical team as soon as possible to let them know you are taking an anticoagulant. They will provide instructions regarding your medication. It is important not to pause medication without prior warning from the doctor. The decision will be based upon the bleeding risk due to the type of procedure you are having.

If you would like any further advice, contact our Patient Services Team on 01789 867 502.

[Dodie117 in reply to TracyAdmin]

Thanks Tracy. I’ve done all that - just wondering about other peoples experience.

[mrgwair567 in reply to Dodie117]

Hi Dodie117

I have had several colonoscopies over the last few years and the advice given by the medical team was not to take Apixaban for 48 hours before the procedure and to wait 48 hours before taking the next dose. I’ve never had any issues! Hope this helps!

[Dodie117]

thanks. I had one some years ago and told to continue taking it. However if they would not be able to remove any polyps etc if found. If that was necessary, would need another. That was UK.

This time in Ireland and will see how they do it.

[Desanthony]

I was told not to take apixaban for 24 hours prior to the procedure and continue 24 hours after. I had no problems.

[Dodie117]

Thanks. I have been told the same here in Ireland.

[rathlee]

Came off Apixaban for two days beforehand and no problems afterwards

[Dodie117]

Thank you rathlee.

[dbw27]

I have been taking Apixaban for more than 10 years as an anti coagulation safeguard for AFib. It has been largely problem free although it occasionally appears to give rise to nausea which can be problematic. Not a major issue currently but am currently pursuing clinical advice about a possible reduction in dosage from the one size fits all 5 mg twice daily to 2.5. I have had two operations while on this medication both of which required cessation of Apixaban 48 hours prior to the events.Interestingly when I accidentally cut myself the bleeding has been no worse than when taking Aspirin alone although scar tissue healing is much slower. The current position in the UK according to my clinical sources is cessation 24 hours prior to any significant surgery but you should obviously get guidance from the medical team as soon as possible about the situation.

[Dodie117]

Thank you dbw27. Like you, I have been on Apixaban for many years and problem free. I have discussed this with medical team but was interested in others experience.

Advice is stop 24 hrs prior to procedure.

[PCC62]

Yes, like others I was told to stop taking Apixaban for 48 hours prior to three procedures and they were all in Ireland.