I've been on Eliquis since May. I haven't noticed any side effects , no bruising or extra bleeding . I was told to go to our GP for a general check on stools. It's really a check for colon cancer and other problems. Anyway it showed presence of blood. Our GP told me that this is probably related to me taking Eliquis and is probably not serious if I don't have other symptoms but I need to have a colonoscopy just to be sure. This is booked for next month.
I'm just wondering if anyone else out there has had a similar experience. I've already had breakfast so look forward to replies with interest.
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Czech_Mate
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Don’t know if it’s the same for Elquis, but for Warfarin for a new-style mechanical Aortic valve you just stop for a few days beforehand then restart when the colonoscopy consultant says to. If you contact the colonoscopy department they should be able to let you know.
I've been on Eliquis/Apixaban for a few years. It has not resulted in blood in stool identified via a FIT test, though drug dosage could be a factor I suppose. I think that when a test result indicates the need for bowel investigation, it's a wise move to have a colonoscopy (the gold standard scan for emerging bowel issues).
Without other symptoms, it's likely early days if something shows up, which is always a good starting point from a successful treatment perspective. So, my opinion is to make no assumptions about Eliquis side effects, just go for that scan - and good luck!
I had to have a a colonoscopy before my bypass because at the same time they found blood in my bowel cancer result and also I was anemic . All was clear and I had further north east south west explorations but fortunately they found nothing . I attribute my problem to my diet which although healthy needed adjusting. However a big piece of advice I would give is to make sure you are very near to a toilet after because I did have a lot of running to the loo afterwards 😳
hi Czech_mate, i have been on Eliquis for over two years now since my heart event. I had a few problems with my stomach and was also loosing weight so needed all sorts of check ups.
They found a little bug Pylori helecobactor ( think that’s how you spell it) and just to make sure there was nothing else I had a colonoscopy. The procedure itself was no problem but they found two 6mm nodules which needed removing but could not do it the same day due to the anticoagulant I was taking. So I returned the following week but had to stop my tablet just for the morning of the procedure. Had them remove and didn’t have any issues.
Hello there. I was moved onto Eliquis/Apixaban from Warfarin a couple or so years ago. No problems. A massive improvement on Warfarin, I was having blood tests every couple of weeks or so to check and maintain levels. Only one a year with apixaban, and the level remains constant. Always been on10mg daily, 5mg morning and 5mg evening. Never been advised to have a colonoscopy and no-one has ever mentioned it. I'm sure you'll be fine. I do have the same problem with blood in stools occasionally, but you don't want to know about my internal piles! Good luck.
Thanks for all your responses. It is very helpful to share your experiences. For me there's a bit more of the "why me?" feeling.
I have been told not to take Eliquis for 24 hours prior to the colonoscopy. Also I have to take some strong laxatives as a drink during the day before (not sure what it's called as it's all in code on the prescription). I'll be under general anesthetic.
As I said I've noticed no side effects from the Eliquis. I take 5mg morning & 5mg evening. The test was just a random test requested by the health insurance company we are with. My wife had one as well (negative). She has no heart concerns, perfectly normal except for any side effects related to being married to me for 28 years🙃
I've had several bowel, bleeding problems over the last 2 years ( Not the same medication, just aspirin) but needed investigations. I absolutely can't cope with the prep for a colonoscopy so I was given a sigmoidoscopy and a CT scan instead. The sigmoidoscopy is simply an enema. They found nothing and when I did the national bowel screening, all was clear
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