What to avoid while taking ELIQUIS?

While taking Eliquis, you should avoid certain medications, foods, and supplements that can increase your risk of dangerous bleeding or make the drug less effective.

Unlike older blood thinners like warfarin, you do not need to avoid green leafy vegetables or track your vitamin K intake.

Medications to Avoid

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): Avoid painkillers like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve), as well as aspirin, because they irritate the stomach and significantly raise your risk of severe bleeding.
• Other blood thinners: Do not take additional anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs (like heparin or warfarin) unless your doctor specifically tells you to switch.
• Certain strong enzyme-altering drugs: Avoid specific antifungals (like ketoconazole) and seizure medications (like carbamazepine or phenytoin) that can dangerously raise or lower Eliquis levels in your body.

Foods and Drinks to Avoid

• Grapefruit and related citrus: Avoid grapefruit, grapefruit juice, pomelos, limes, and Seville oranges. They block the liver enzymes that break down Eliquis, causing the drug to build up to dangerous levels.
• Heavy alcohol: Limit or avoid alcohol. Heavy drinking or binge drinking increases your risk of stomach bleeding and raises your chances of a dangerous fall or injury.

Supplements and Herbs to Avoid

• St. John’s wort: Avoid this herbal supplement completely because it speeds up how your body processes the medication, making Eliquis less effective and increasing your risk of blood clots.
• Bleeding-risk supplements: Avoid high-dose vitamin E, fish oil, ginkgo biloba, and large amounts of turmeric, ginger, or garlic supplements, which can all increase your chance of bruising and bleeding.