Apixaban and Surgery: What You Need to Know Before Going Under the Knife

Understanding Apixaban

Before we delve into the specifics of what you need to know before surgery, it's essential to understand what Apixaban is. Apixaban, also known as Eliquis, is a medication that is often prescribed to reduce the risk of stroke and systemic embolism in individuals with non-valvular atrial fibrillation. It works by preventing blood clots, which can lead to these health problems. It's also used for the treatment of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which could lead to pulmonary embolism (PE), and to prevent DVT and PE from happening again.

Why Apixaban is Important Before Surgery

The next question you may be asking is why Apixaban is so important before surgery. The reason is that during any surgical procedure, there is a risk of blood clot formation. These clots can cause serious complications, such as a stroke or a pulmonary embolism. Apixaban works to reduce the risk of these dangerous blood clots forming during and after your surgery. It's a crucial part of ensuring your surgery is as safe as possible.

Risks Associated with Apixaban

Like any medication, Apixaban comes with its own set of risks. The most significant risk associated with Apixaban is bleeding. This includes both minor bleeding, such as nosebleeds or bleeding gums, and major bleeding events like gastrointestinal bleeding or bleeding in the brain. While these events are rare, they can be life-threatening. It's important to discuss these risks with your doctor before starting Apixaban.

Stopping Apixaban Before Surgery

Given the risk of bleeding, you might think it's best to stop taking Apixaban before your surgery. In some cases, this may be necessary. However, stopping Apixaban can also increase your risk of forming a blood clot. Your doctor will weigh these risks and make a recommendation based on your specific situation. It's important to follow their advice strictly to ensure your safety.

Restarting Apixaban After Surgery

Once your surgery is complete, you may need to start taking Apixaban again. The timing of this will depend on several factors, including the type of surgery you had, your risk of bleeding, and your risk of forming a blood clot. Your doctor will provide specific instructions for when to restart Apixaban. It's important to follow these instructions carefully to reduce your risk of complications.

Interactions with Other Medications

Apixaban can interact with other medications, potentially increasing your risk of bleeding or reducing the effectiveness of Apixaban. Some medications to be aware of include anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen, blood thinners like warfarin, and certain types of antidepressants. You should provide your doctor with a complete list of all the medications you're taking, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements, so they can assess the risk of interactions.

Emergency Situations

In some cases, you may need emergency surgery or medical treatment that can't wait for the Apixaban to be out of your system. In these cases, your medical team may use other treatments to reduce the risk of bleeding. This could include a blood transfusion or the use of a drug to reverse the effects of Apixaban. It's essential to make sure your healthcare providers know that you're taking Apixaban in an emergency situation.

Conclusion: Communicate with Your Healthcare Team

The most important thing to remember when taking Apixaban and preparing for surgery is to communicate with your healthcare team. They need to know about all the medications you're taking, any past or current medical conditions, and any concerns you have. With this information, they can make the best decisions for your health and safety. Remember, Apixaban is a crucial medication to prevent dangerous blood clots, but it needs to be managed carefully around the time of surgery.