Apixaban & Tooth Extraction

[Alan_G]

I have to have a tooth removed on Monday morning and my dentist advised me to take my Apixaban on Sunday evening but then to miss it on Monday morning before the appointment. He suggested I confirm this with my GP.

I spoke to my GP who said tooth extraction was 'standard blood loss' and so I should allow 24 hours off an anti-coagulant before the appointment. To that end, he said not to take my Apixaban on Sunday evening.

I am questioning this. If I was on a 'once a day' anti-coagulant, I could understand this, but as Apixaban is taken twice a day and so has a shorter half life, should the period be 12 hours for it.

I am asking if anyone here has been in the same position and what did you do?

thanks

Alan

[dbw27]

I take Apixiban in the standard dosage of 5mg twice daily stemming from long standing and now persistent AF. Have had no problems on two occasions with bleeding as a consequence of continuing to take Apixiban at the usual times immediately prior to a tooth extraction. Dentists advice supported that approach and possibly reflects a more general view that the dangers of excessive bleeding as a consequence of taking Apixiban prior to medical procedures may be at least a little overstated in general terms. Both these extractions were straightforward and I imagine more complicated or invasive dental work may warrant greater caution by stopping Apixiban 24 hrs prior to an extraction.Hope this is helpful.