Stopping medication temporarily

[FranceMary]

should I stop taking ibrutinib before a colonoscopy as I believe it thins the blood.

[annmcgowan]

My haematologist always advises ceasing ibrutinib pre and post any operation. You need to ask yours and for how long.Ann

[GMa27]

Yes definitely....discuss with hematologist exactly how long. While ur having that conversation ask about any procedures if it's the same amount of time. Dental, Mohs, major surgeries etc. Best to know it all instead of asking each time. 💕

[lankisterguy Volunteer]

Hi FranceMary,

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When my wife had her colonoscopy last month, the Gastro doctor advised that if she paused her blood thinners 3 days before and after the test, then the doctor would be able to immediately remove any pre cancerous polyps discovered during the procedure. If the blood thinner was not paused, then polyp removal would require a 2nd procedure (and colon cleanout). -

Ibrutinib is known to act as a blood thinner.

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You should phone & ask your haematologist / CNS (clinical nurse specialist) for their standard recommendation for minor surgical procedures like this.

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Len

[FranceMary in reply to lankisterguy]

Thank you. I will do as you suggest and stop before and after colonoscopy.Thanks for explanation.

[nvp815]

I am on a blood thinner and acalabrutinib. My CLL doctor advised to hold Eliquis and acalabrutinib the day before and the day of colonoscopy. Please check with your physician however, as we are all different.Best of luck,

Nan

[pilantd]

Yesterday I had my 8 week appointment with my Oncologist. Near the end of our conversation I let him know that I'm overdue for a colonoscopy and wanted to know if I should stop taking Ibrutinib due to the blood thinning issue. He told me to stop taking it 3 days prior and wait a few days after the procedure. He also suggested calling the special pharmacy specialist nurses to get their feedback too.

[newyork8]

I believe it takes 7 days to fully stop the bleeding effect of Ibrutinib or rather get the drug out of your body. I believe 3 days is too short to stop it before a bleeding procedure. I would stop it longer before and after...at least 4 days. Just my non medical opinion.

[rjm4scruf]

Just saw my Dr. last week and was Strongly advised to discontinue my Ibrutanib three days before and three days after. Also before any dermatology Procedure if there are to be any serious biopsies

[zaax]

Personal I don't see why. Before I stared on Ibrutinib I was on Aspirin and when I cut myself I used to bleed for quite quite a while, but now on Ibrutinib (and off Aspirin) I have twice cut myself quite deeply. Both times it bleed quite profusely and stopped, surprisingly, a lot more quickly than when I was on Aspirin