How do I stop and start Eliquis for surgery?
Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions on how to stop and restart Eliquis (apixaban) if you need to have surgery. In general, treatment with Eliquis should be paused at least 48 hours before elective surgery or procedures that carry a moderate to high risk of bleeding. For surgery or procedures with a low risk of bleeding or where the bleeding would be easily controlled, it should be stopped 24 hours in advance. Additionally, Eliquis should be stopped 72 hours before neuraxial anesthesia.
Your healthcare provider may recommend stopping treatment sooner if you have kidney problems, since the medication might last longer in your system. Do not stop taking Eliquis without consulting your healthcare provider. Doing so could put you at risk for blood clots, which can raise your risk for life-threatening medical problems like a stroke.
When can I restart Eliquis after surgery?
Eliquis may be restarted after surgery once bleeding has stopped. Most people can typically restart Eliquis within 1-3 days. Your healthcare provider will let you know when it is safe for you to start taking Eliquis again.
When determining whether or not to pause your anticoagulation treatment with Eliquis, your healthcare provider will weigh the risks of bleeding from your surgery with the risks of blood clot formation.
This is not all the information you need to know about Eliquis (apixaban) for safe and effective use and does not take the place of your doctor’s directions. Review the full product information and discuss this information and any questions you have with your doctor or other health care provider.
References
Douketis, J. D., et. al. 2024. Perioperative Management of Patients Taking Direct Oral Anticoagulants. In: JAMA. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2024.12708
Eliquis [package insert]. Updated September 2021. E.R. Squibb & Sons, L.L.C. Accessed 10/29/24 at https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=e9481622-7cc6-418a-acb6-c5450daae9b0
Moster, M., et. al. 2022. Perioperative Guidelines on Antiplatelet and Anticoagulant Agents: 2022 Update. In: Current Anesthesiology Reports. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40140-021-00511-z
Read next
What foods should I avoid while on Eliquis?
There is not a special diet that you should follow while you are taking Eliquis (apixaban). However, some foods and drinks can interact with it that you should be aware of. Grapefruit, pomelos, and certain teas are some examples of foods you should avoid while on Eliquis. Continue reading
Top 6 Eliquis Side Effects: What You Need to Know in Depth
Eliquis is an anticoagulant that is preferred over older anticoagulants, such as warfarin, because it doesn’t require regular blood tests, has fewer drug and food interactions, and it is less likely to cause bleeding. Although Eliquis is generally well tolerated, like any medication, it does have some side effects. We look in detail at six of the most common side effects of Eliquis:
- Slight bleeding
- Severe bleeding
- Feeling sick (nausea)
- Spinal blood clots
- Increased liver enzymes and liver injury
- Blood clots when stopping Eliquis.
Xarelto vs Eliquis: How do they compare?
Xarelto (rivaroxaban) and Eliquis (apixaban) are novel anticoagulants that make blood less likely to clot (also called thinning the blood). Both belong to the class of medicines known as factor Xa (FXa) inhibitors and they are two of the most popular blood thinners on the market. Either one may be used to reduce the risk of stroke or treat and prevent blood clots in conditions such as DVT. Continue reading
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Drug information
- Eliquis Information for Consumers
- Eliquis prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side Effects of Eliquis (detailed)
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