Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Is Eliquis Safe To Be Taken Before An Endoscopy?
Question: I have been taking Eliquis 2 yr. since open heart surgery (replaced one valve & repaired another. I am AFib.
I was scheduled to have an endoscopy next week but my cardiologist told me I should NOT stop taking Eliquis for more than 2-3 days BUT the gastro-entoro doctor said I needed to stay off Eliquis for 5 days before and after the endoscopy. WHAT SHOULD I DO ? Is there another drug or shot I can take to satisfy BOTH DOCTORS.
both doctors ? I am very concerned because I am much overdue for a colonoscopy, as well as the endo.
Please reply asap. My email is YYYY@YYYY & tel is (000) 000-0000.
I was scheduled to have an endoscopy next week but my cardiologist told me I should NOT stop taking Eliquis for more than 2-3 days BUT the gastro-entoro doctor said I needed to stay off Eliquis for 5 days before and after the endoscopy. WHAT SHOULD I DO ? Is there another drug or shot I can take to satisfy BOTH DOCTORS.
both doctors ? I am very concerned because I am much overdue for a colonoscopy, as well as the endo.
Please reply asap. My email is YYYY@YYYY & tel is (000) 000-0000.
Brief Answer:
Usually, proceed as described
Detailed Answer:
Hello. Thank you for your question and welcome to HCM. I understand your concern.
Well, in controlling the atrial fibrillation, in the context of 'irregular futile atrial contractions' not to generate thrombi, anticoagulation is mandatory.
Usually, the "xabans" (including Apixaban) is stopped three to five days before a minimally invasive procedure, and is replaced with subcutaneous (under the skin) injections of low-molecular weight heparin (LMWH: enoxaparin, fraxiparin, dalteparin) twice a day, until the day of the procedure.
In the day of the procedure, the LMWH is skipped before the procedure, and is recommended to be continued in the evening of the procedure, or the next morning.
So the after the time of restarting the "xaban", the LMWH can be stopped .
My opinion is the upper mentioned, and this is what we do in our everyday practice, in these cases.
However, I would recommend you to discuss with both your doctors about this strategy and proceed accordingly.
I hope I was helpful with my answer.
If you have follow-up questions, I would be happy to help.
Kind regards and best of luck.
Dr. Meriton
Usually, proceed as described
Detailed Answer:
Hello. Thank you for your question and welcome to HCM. I understand your concern.
Well, in controlling the atrial fibrillation, in the context of 'irregular futile atrial contractions' not to generate thrombi, anticoagulation is mandatory.
Usually, the "xabans" (including Apixaban) is stopped three to five days before a minimally invasive procedure, and is replaced with subcutaneous (under the skin) injections of low-molecular weight heparin (LMWH: enoxaparin, fraxiparin, dalteparin) twice a day, until the day of the procedure.
In the day of the procedure, the LMWH is skipped before the procedure, and is recommended to be continued in the evening of the procedure, or the next morning.
So the after the time of restarting the "xaban", the LMWH can be stopped .
My opinion is the upper mentioned, and this is what we do in our everyday practice, in these cases.
However, I would recommend you to discuss with both your doctors about this strategy and proceed accordingly.
I hope I was helpful with my answer.
If you have follow-up questions, I would be happy to help.
Kind regards and best of luck.
Dr. Meriton
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
