Eluquis after successful cardioversion

If you are over 60, male, and have even a brief history of arrhythmia, and/or you have at least minor heart disease (calcification and plaque deposits), your CHADS-VASc score would be at least 2, so...no...unless you are willing to take the risk, and to explain to your care-giver that you had a well-reasoned argument for electing to forego it. I think you'll find that the very heavy majority of cardiologists and EPs will strongly recommend that, once prescribed for any reason, you should probably take it for life. Some very prominent EPs, though, will agree to have you cease it IF...IF...you have a successful return to NSR for six months AND have a watchman placed successfully in the left atrial appendage. By successfully I mean no dislodgement and it has become endothelially enclosed. No chance of clotting and dislodgement of said clot.

Hello @pickleball1946. As with starting and stopping any medication, it is best to consult with your provider because the effects vary from person to person and the risk/benefits need to be weighed. Like @gloaming mentions, stopping a medication like eliquis can be challenging and needs to be a decision between you and your provider. There is another discussion you may find worth participating in as well:

- To stay on Eliquis or not:
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/to-stay-on-eliquis-or-not

In this discussion members talk about starting and stopping medications like Eliquis. Many have, but with guidance from a provider.

@pickleball1946 - if you are comfortable sharing, what are the reasons for wanting to stop Eliquis? Have you discussed them with your provider?

First concern is the cost….. it is very expensive with Medicare…. Second concern is excess bleeding risks..,, I have had several small cuts that bled excessively.. Concerned on what would happen in a more serious accident (car or bike wreck). Third concern is putting another pill in my body (although I take very few). I am probably over thinking it…. Just trying to balance conflicting advice…

I agree that the cost is an issue. It even causes me to enter the “donut hole “ period on my Medicare which doubles my out of pocket expenses.
But aside from that and an increase in my tendency to get bruises I don’t have any real issues with it- considering the risk of not taking it. (And I would really prefer not to take any pills at all.)

AFib diagnosed in 2015..full and comprehensive echocardiogram using both ultrasound and Doppler method.
All normal except for left atrium slightly enlarged..which is also normal.

Recommended Pradaxa which now taken since that time. No issues..I have TriCare for Life as former and now retired US Army officer. The three month cost is $12,00.

Point: Perhaps other options in lieu of Eliquis might be considered.

Last point: Opinions from your doctor is in fact an opinion..based on experience and education. Because the issue is vital to health, always seek a second opinion to validate what is true and correct.

Thanks…., Good advice