Can A Colonoscopy Safely Be Performed While Taking Blood Thinners?

When preparing for an endoscopy, it is crucial to consider your current medication regimen, especially if you are taking anticoagulants or anti-platelet drugs such as Aggrenox, Arixtra, Brilinta, Effient, Eliquis, Plavix, Pletal, Pradaxa, Ticlid, Xarelto, or any other blood thinners. To ensure a safe procedure, it is generally recommended that most patients discontinue these medications at least 5 days before the scheduled procedure. However, it is of utmost importance that you consult with the physician who prescribed these medications before discontinuing them. Their guidance will help you make an informed decision regarding the temporary cessation of your blood thinners, ensuring your safety during the endoscopy.

What are the implications of undergoing surgery while taking blood thinners? When you’re on blood thinners, your blood’s ability to clot is reduced, which elevates the risk of bleeding both during and after the surgical procedure. However, ceasing the use of anticoagulant medications poses its own set of dangers. Stopping these medications can significantly raise the likelihood of developing blood clots, especially in the context of surgery, where the body becomes more susceptible to clot formation due to the surgical process itself. This delicate balance between preventing excessive bleeding and avoiding blood clot formation is a critical consideration for individuals facing surgery while on blood thinners. [Published on November 1, 2017].