Eliquis and Alcohol: What to Know

Mahshid Moghei, PhD Medically reviewed by Mahshid M. on

Eliquis Tablets and a Glass of Beer: Short-Term vs. Long-Term Effects

Eliquis (apixaban) and alcohol don’t have immediate negative side effects with each other. 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.

Key Takeaways

  • While alcohol doesn’t have any immediate negative interaction with alcohol, most doctors won’t recommend that you consume any alcoholic beverages while taking any type of anticoagulant (blood thinner).

  • It is safe for occasional and moderate use of alcohol along with Eliquis (apixaban) in certain instances. However, if you’re concerned about your consumption, you should always consult with your primary care physician before consumption.

  • Older and elderly patients 45-years of age or older should seek the advice of a primary care physician before consuming alcohol. While Eliquis (apixaban) doesn’t have any immediate interactions and reactions with alcohol, drug combinations may cause severe issues when consuming alcohol.

Eliquis and Alcohol: What to Know

In general, it’s safe to consume the occasional alcoholic drink while on Eliquis (apixaban). However, most doctors or primary care physicians won’t recommend any consumption of alcohol while on any type of anticoagulant (blood thinner).

Alcohol Consumption

Safety

What to Know

Moderate amounts, 1 or 2 drinks in a single day.

Safe, however, watch for signs of other issues.

Look fo unusual bruising, bleeding from the gums, nose, or blood in the urine

Large amounts, more than 2 drinks in a single day

Not considered safe, however, no immediate reactions to the anticoagulant.

Avoid large quantities of alcohol. Not advised by primary care physicians.

Consumption of Alcohol and Eliquis

In general, moderate drinking (or consumption of alcohol) — about one to two drinks per day — may not pose any serious or significant risk. However, individual responses may vary. Meaning even small amounts of alcohol can have different effects depending on your health and other medications you may be taking.

Check with Your Doctor

Discuss with your healthcare provider if and how much alcohol might be safe for you while on Eliquis (apixaban). Factors such as your overall health, any bleeding risks, and potential interactions with other medications can impact whether it’s safe for you to drink at all.

Be Aware of Bleeding Risks

Both Eliquis (apixaban) and alcohol can make bleeding more likely, and it’s essential to know the signs of internal or unusual bleeding. 

Contact your primary care physician immediately if you notice any of the following symptoms:

  • Bruising or unusual bleeding: Easy or excessive bruising, bleeding gums, or nosebleeds.

  • Changes in urine or stool: Blood in urine, black or tar-like stools, or blood in stools.

  • Vomiting with blood: Vomit that appears bright red or resembles coffee grounds.

Other symptoms: Coughing up blood or red mucus, severe pain, unusually heavy menstrual bleeding, persistent dizziness, or feeling weak.

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Sources

  1. National Library of Medicine. (2023). Effects of Apixaban in Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. National Center for Biotechnology Information. Retrieved from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10643025/

  2. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2012). Eliquis (Apixaban) Label. FDA Drug Label Database. Retrieved from https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2012/202155s000lbl.pdf


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The content on this page is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute professional medical advice. Patients should not use the information presented on this page for diagnosing a health-related issue or disease. Before taking any medication or supplements, patients should always consult a physician or qualified healthcare professional for medical advice or information about whether a drug is safe, appropriate or effective.