Red flags include a large amount of visible blood loss or any signs of internal bleeding such as an altered mental state or severely low blood pressure. It’s not recommended that you start drinking alcohol if you don’t normally. Having the restraint to consume only moderate amounts of alcohol may be challenging for some individuals. It can also limit your kidneys’ ability to excrete broken-down toxins or drugs, such as your prescribed blood thinner. This can lead to the same harmful effect of excessive anticoagulation.

Eliquis and alcohol may both act as blood thinners, increasing the risk of bleeding

The Annals of Internal Medicine published a study that revealed that people on Xarelto not only bled more but also had more clots and strokes. Open communication with healthcare providers is vital when it comes to managing medications like Eliquis alongside lifestyle choices such as drinking alcohol. Regular check-ins allow patients to discuss any concerns they may have about their treatment plan or lifestyle choices. However, there are good reasons to avoid alcohol while taking Eliquis.

How much alcohol can you safely drink while taking Eliquis?

Since I just started Eliquis myself I talked to 2 different pharmacies and asked the same question. I was told it was not wise to drink daily as it may increase side effects. I have found taking Eliquis with beer and eliquis a large glass of water or taking with food helps to minimize stomach upsets.

Grapefruit Juice: A Potential Interaction

Moreover, Eliquis carries two black box warnings, which are the FDA’s most serious alerts for medications. Although these side effects are uncommon, they can be life-threatening. One significant risk is spinal bleeding during specific procedures like spinal taps or epidurals, which can lead to severe outcomes, including long-term paralysis. Additionally, discontinuing Eliquis prematurely may heighten the risk of blood clots, potentially resulting in critical events such as heart attacks or strokes. The combination of alcohol and Eliquis can significantly increase your risk of bleeding. According to a study indicated by the American Blood Clot Association, the alcohol content in 1 or 2 drinks may reduce blood clotting time and amplify the anticoagulant effect of Eliquis.

Types of Drug Interactions With Alcohol

Alcohol consumption has been linked to the development of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and obesity—all risk factors for heart disease and stroke. Alcohol interferes with the clotting process by reducing the number of platelets in the blood and making the platelets you do have less sticky. This means that drinking alcohol could potentially increase your risk of having a stroke caused by bleeding in the brain, especially when consumed in large quantities. For men, this means more than two drinks a day, and for women, this is more than one drink a day. Alcohol acts as a natural anticoagulant, thinning the blood and reducing its ability to form clots.

Can You Drink Alcohol While Taking Eliquis (Apixaban)?

• Symptoms such as unusual bruising, prolonged bleeding from cuts, blood in urine or stools, and severe headaches should prompt immediate medical attention.
• Combining prescription medications with alcohol can lead to unexpected and sometimes dangerous interactions, particularly with blood thinners like Eliquis (apixaban).
• Dr. Harb Harb is a non-invasive cardiologist working within the Northwell Health System in New York, specifically at the North Shore University Hospital, affiliated with Hofstra University.
• However, it is important to note that combining warfarin with alcohol can still lead to an increased risk of bleeding.
• In general, moderate drinking (or consumption of alcohol) — about one to two drinks per day — may not pose any serious or significant risk.
• Drinking more than the recommended amount may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and alcohol use disorders.

However, alcohol can increase the chances of some of the negative side effects of Eliquis such as increased chance of feeling fatigue, dizziness, and more. Eliquis (apixaban) is an anticoagulant (blood thinner) that helps to reduce blood clotting and reduces risk of stroke and systemic embolism in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation. Excessive alcohol use can lead to poor anticoagulation control in patients taking blood thinners like Eliquis, resulting in a higher risk of major hemorrhages. Alcohol can also interact with certain medications to increase their potency, leading to dangerous side effects. When taking Eliquis, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional about alcohol consumption.

• Several NSAIDs are available over the counter (OTC), meaning you can purchase them without a prescription.
• Non-alcoholic beer does not contain alcohol, so it should be safe to consume while taking Eliquis.
• Alcohol-free beer or wine is generally safe to consume while on Eliquis as they do not contain alcohol.
• It’s really important to know the risks and side effects of mixing alcohol with Xarelto.
• Patients with pre-existing liver disease are particularly vulnerable.

The contents of PharmaGiant.com should not be considered as medical advice and are for information purposes only. We do not guarantee the accuracy of the content on PharmaGiant.com, nor do we assume any responsibility for any actions taken using the information found on our website. Always consult with a medical expert about any health related issues. This information is being provided to you for educational and informational purposes only. This page is meant to provide educational information for patients living with Atrial Fibrillation and as a self-help tool for your own use.

Alcohol consumption may cause internal bleeding

Nevertheless, mixing alcohol and Eliquis can be hazardous, resulting in unpredictable reactions in the body. Some medications, when consumed in moderation, have an adverse effect on their effectiveness. It is possible that blood clots will form in addition to affecting the body’s ability to create blood clots. In some cases, when taken with blood thinning medications, the medication can have unintended consequences.

How Much Alcohol Is Safe to Drink While Taking Xarelto?

Additionally, large amounts of alcohol or binge drinking can decrease the metabolism of blood thinners, increasing the risk of bleeding. On the alcoholism symptoms other hand, excessive daily alcohol use increases the metabolism of Eliquis and can lower its effectiveness, increasing the risk of a clot, heart attack, or stroke. Managing your health when taking blood thinners like Eliquis (apixaban) or warfarin (Coumadin) involves being able to understand potential interactions. There are certain beverages that can affect the way these medications will work on your body –  increasing the risk of bleeding or even altering their effectiveness. It is generally safe to drink alcohol while taking eliquis (apixaban), but it is important to be aware that eliquis can increase the risk of bleeding.