HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

Is It Possible To Stop Xarelto And Warfarin After Successful Cardioversion?

default
Posted on Tue, 9 Jun 2015
Question: Once on Xarelto or Warfarin is it possible to ever get completely off this medication, of the two which would you prefer, I have had nonvalvular a-fib for 4 or 5 years and scheduled for cardioversion and if it goes well then an abillation, my Dr. prescribed Xarelto for 1 month before cardiversion, I had successful cardioversion when I first got a-fib 4-5 years agobut has reoccured and the Dr says I would be taking it for several months also is blood thinner required for abillation procedure the Dr says that I would probably need 2 abillations, your thoughts please
doctor
Answered by Dr. Benard Shehu (15 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Following answe rto your queries...

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thank you for asking!
I read your query and understood your concerns.

If your cardioversion will go well you may get completely off anticoagulation therapy (warfarin or xarelto) after three months (from successful cardioversion).

On a total you should stay for 4 months on anticoagulation therapy (1 months before cardioversion procedure and 3 months after successful cardioversion).

If you were my patient I would also recommend Xarelto for anticoagulation, because it has an exact dose and doesn't require INR levels monitoring.

Usually you don't need anticoagulation therapy after ablation therapy, however everything is decided after the procedure.

hope this was of help!
Dr. Shehu
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Benard Shehu (18 minutes later)
I understand from the internet that there is no cure for excessive bleeding from Xarelto but there is with warfarin, I'm concerned about this because there are several lawsuits now for wrongful death against the makers of Xarelto, it does not sound very safe, would you take Xarelto yourself?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Benard Shehu (6 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Explained below..

Detailed Answer:
Hi back,

It is true that there is no antidote to cure excessive bleeding from Xarelto; this characteristic differs this drug from other blood thinning medications. That's why it shouldn't be used in patient with a personal history of :
- GERD/gastritis/ulcer
- hemorrhoids
- cerebral hemorrhage, etc.

I usually do not recommend xarelto because these patients are considered to have a high risk for hemorrhage (bleeding).

In such cases, or if you are worried about the risk of any severe bleeding, Warfarin can be used. It's highly recommend to close monitor INR and keep it between 2 and 3. This is the safest strategy, but it require a close monitoring and a good therapy compliance from you.

There is no golden standard in deciding which blood thinning medication is the most appropriate. Everything will be decided depending on specific patient's case.

Hope it answered to your queries!
Dr.Benard
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Benard Shehu

Cardiologist

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 2257 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
Is It Possible To Stop Xarelto And Warfarin After Successful Cardioversion?

Brief Answer: Following answe rto your queries... Detailed Answer: Hi and thank you for asking! I read your query and understood your concerns. If your cardioversion will go well you may get completely off anticoagulation therapy (warfarin or xarelto) after three months (from successful cardioversion). On a total you should stay for 4 months on anticoagulation therapy (1 months before cardioversion procedure and 3 months after successful cardioversion). If you were my patient I would also recommend Xarelto for anticoagulation, because it has an exact dose and doesn't require INR levels monitoring. Usually you don't need anticoagulation therapy after ablation therapy, however everything is decided after the procedure. hope this was of help! Dr. Shehu