What To Avoid When Taking a Blood Thinner

Among them, grapefruit, limes, and pomelos can inhibit the breakdown of Eliquis, leading to increased side effects. Similarly, certain supplements and herbs can also interact with Eliquis, potentially leading to adverse effects. 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. “If you’re on some blood thinners, studies show you should also stay clear of cranberry, grapefruit and pomegranate fruits and juices,” advises Dr. Bishop.

How can I prevent interactions?

By blocking this enzyme, Eliquis effectively disrupts the complex process of blood coagulation, helping to prevent the formation of harmful blood clots. The effectiveness of this medication in reducing the risk of stroke and other thromboembolic events in patients with atrial fibrillation was alcohol and eliquis interaction proven in the ARISTOTLE study in 2011. When alcohol is included in the mix, it can alter how thin your blood is and also change how active the medication is. This ultimately affects the delicate balance that doctors hope to achieve while using blood thinners.

Does the type of blood thinner lower the risk of bleeding when combined with alcohol use?

• Before you start treatment with Eliquis, tell your doctor and pharmacist which prescription, over-the-counter, and other medications you take.
• This interaction is most often noted with warfarin, not Eliquis.
• While moderate alcohol use does have a blood-thinning effect, using alcohol specifically to thin your blood or have a healthier heart is not recommended.
• Some common side effects include gastrointestinal bleeding, bruising, and dizziness.
• However, in larger quantities, alcohol can lead to hypertension, cardiomyopathy, arrhythmias, and an increased risk of stroke.

It’s essential to apply moderation when it comes to alcohol consumption while on Eliquis. Moreover, alcohol can potentially augment and extend the effects of Eliquis as a blood thinner, thereby increasing the risk of bleeding. This interaction may result in a prolonged presence of the medication in the body, potentially causing complications. It’s also prescribed to patients who have undergone hip or knee replacement surgery to prevent the development of DVT and pulmonary embolism during the postoperative period.

• Missing doses or discontinuing the medication without medical advice can significantly increase the risk of stroke or other thromboembolic events.
• Blood clots most often develop in the large veins in the arms and legs.
• According to the National Blood Clot Alliance (NBCA), in the U.S., more than 8 million people currently take them.
• As prescriptions increase, so do patient questions, and one common query is, “Can I mix Eliquis and alcohol?
• Nutrition, exercise habits, and stress management all contribute significantly to overall well-being.

Is it safe to drink alcohol while taking blood thinners?

Your doctor likely won’t prescribe Eliquis if you’ve had an allergic reaction to the drug or any of its ingredients. You can ask your doctor alcoholism treatment about other treatments that may be better options for you. These articles offer practical advice to help you confidently manage your medication and health. For someone taking Eliquis, falls are especially dangerous because the blood-thinning effect makes it difficult to stop bleeding, even from minor injuries. Internal bleeding, such as in the brain after a head injury, can be life-threatening and harder to detect and treat quickly. More importantly, different organs respond differently to internal bleeding.

If you have questions about drug interactions that may affect you, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. Due to this risk, doctors typically will not prescribe thrombolytic drugs in combination with Eliquis. If you develop a blood clot while taking Eliquis, your doctor can advise you on the right treatment. (For details about Eliquis’ dosage, see this article.) Or they may switch you from Eliquis to a different drug, such as heparin.

Which drinks to avoid on blood thinners?

With a background in medical research and a keen interest in patient education, she strives to make complex health topics accessible to everyone. Isabel covers a range of subjects, from nutrition and mental health to the latest advancements in medical science. OTC pain relievers while taking Eliquis are pretty much limited to acetaminophen (Tylenol). I’ve read that it may take a week for alcohol or tylenol to be completely metabolized by the liver, so think about giving up one or the other. Stress management techniques—such as mindfulness practices or yoga—can also aid in maintaining overall wellness during treatment periods where anxiety about potential side effects might arise. Lifestyle choices play an integral role in managing one’s health while on anticoagulants like Eliquis.