I Take 10 Mg Of Eliquis Blood Thinner Daily For

Posted on Tue, 26 Feb 2019

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 26 Feb 2019 Answered on

Last reviewed on

Question : I take 10 mg of Eliquis blood thinner daily for atrial flutter. I am scheduled for a colonoscopy in late March. How long do I have to stop taking Eliquis before the scheduled colonoscopy date ?? I am told I have to be off Eliquis in case there is a polyp to be removed. And then.... when do I resume Eliquis after colonoscopy???

Answered by Dr. Ilir Sharka (48 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
I would explain as follows:

Detailed Answer:
Hello!

Welcome to Ask a Doctor service!

I understand your concern and would explain that it is important stopping eliquis 24 hours before the colonoscopy and possible intervention, in order to lower the risk of bleeding.

Then, depending on the morphology of the polip removed and on its tendency for bleeding, you can restart eliquis after 24 hours from the intervention or some days after.

Hope you will find this answer helpful!

I remain at your disposal for any further questions whenever you need!

Kind regards,

Dr. Ilir Sharka, Cardiologist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Ilir Sharka (7 hours later)

Dr I also have a tooth to be taken out by oral surgeon in one month. Does the 24 hour time frame apply to tooth removal by surgeon???

Answered by Dr. Ilir Sharka (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
I would explain as follows:

Detailed Answer:
Hello again!

Yes, this is the same thing. You have to stop Eliquis 24 hours before the tooth extraction and then start it again after 24 hours after it, in order to prevent possible bleeding.

Hope you will find this information helpful!

Wishing all the best,

Dr. Iliri

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar