Delaying DOAC Resumption After Colonoscopy Increases Thromboembolic Risk

Summary: If you take blood thinners (called DOACs) and need a colonoscopy, you might wonder when to start taking your medicine again. Doctors used to think waiting a few days was best to stop your stomach or intestines from bleeding. But a new study of nearly 8,000 patients found that waiting is actually a bad idea.

People who waited two or more days to restart their blood thinners didn't have less bleeding. In fact, delaying the medicine actually led to a much higher chance of getting dangerous blood clots or having an ischemic stroke (over 4 times the risk!). The study shows it is safer to restart your blood thinners early—on the same day or the day after your colonoscopy. Doctors should worry more about preventing strokes than preventing bleeding after this routine procedure.

For more details, see gastroenterologyadvisor.com at gastroenterologyadvisor.com/news/delaying-doac-resumption-after-colonoscopy-increases-thromboembolic-risk/ (opens in new tab)