Medically reviewed by 
You should not consume any Ibuprofen while on Eliquis (apixaban). NSAIDs like Ibuprofen can increase the risk of bleeding, especially when taken with blood thinners. Other medications that can interact with Eliquis include: anti-seizure medications, antibiotics, antifungal agents, antiviral drugs, and antidepressants. 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. Apixaban (or Eliquis) is also used to treat or prevent deep venous thrombosis, a condition in which harmful blood clots form in the blood vessels of the legs.
Key Takeaways
You should not consume any Ibuprofen while on Eliquis (apixaban). NSAIDs like Ibuprofen can increase the risk of bleeding, especially when taken with blood thinners.
Blood thinners come in two classes: Antiplatelet drugs such as aspirin stop platelets from forming clots. Anticoagulants such as Eliquis (apixaban), which length the time it takes for blood to clot. NSAIDs (like Ibuprofen) affect the way platelets work and could interfere with normal blood clotting.
Alternative to Ibuprofen that are safer are over-the-counter medications such as Tylenol (Acetaminophen) which does not cause the same reaction as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Eliquis (Apixaban) and Ibuprofen (NSAIDs)
Co-administration (the taking of both medications) of ibuprofen, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), with apixaban, a direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC), is not considered safe due to the increased risk of serious bleeding complications. Ibuprofen exerts its effects by inhibiting cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, particularly COX-1, leading to reduced synthesis of thromboxane A2, a pro-coagulant involved in platelet aggregation.
This antiplatelet effect, combined with apixaban’s inhibition of Factor Xa, which is essential in the coagulation cascade for thrombin generation and fibrin clot formation, significantly elevates the potential for hemorrhagic events.
Both ibuprofen and apixaban increase gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding risk through their mechanisms: ibuprofen by compromising gastric mucosal integrity and apixaban by inhibiting coagulation factors.
The dual inhibition of platelet function and coagulation factors disrupts hemostatic balance, particularly in the GI tract, enhancing the risk of potentially life-threatening bleeding events. Therefore, concurrent use of ibuprofen with apixaban requires strict medical supervision or should be avoided in favor of alternative analgesics with minimal or no effect on platelet function.
Why Someone Would Want to Take Ibuprofen
In many cases, a patient is most likely wanting to take Ibuprofen (NSAIDs) due to pain. And Ibuprofen is a common choice for its over-the-counter (OTC) access. However, if you’re experiencing pain, here are some of the more common OTC medications that are okay to take with Apixaban (Eliquis).
Pain management options typically include acetaminophen (Tylenol), as it does not have the same anticoagulant effects or gastrointestinal bleeding risks associated with NSAIDs like ibuprofen, naproxen, and aspirin.
Acetaminophen (Tylenol): Acetaminophen is usually considered a first-line OTC option for mild to moderate pain relief in patients on Eliquis (apixaban), as it has minimal effects on platelet function and coagulation. However, it is essential to follow recommended dosing guidelines, as excessive acetaminophen intake can lead to hepatotoxicity (liver damage).
Topical Pain Relievers: Products like lidocaine patches or creams, as well as menthol-based gels and capsaicin creams, can be effective for localized pain relief and are generally safe with apixaban. Since these are applied directly to the skin, they have little to no systemic effect on bleeding risk.
Common Eliquis (Apixaban) Questions
Below are common questions about Eliquis (apixaban):
Which pain medications can I take while on Eliquis?
Tylenol (Acetaminophen) is considered to be a safe over-the-counter (OTC) pain medication while on apixaban (Eliquis).
What if my doctor prescribed me hydrocodone?
In the event that you were in a major incident or suffered injury that required significant surgical restoration, your doctor may prescribe hydrocodone as part of your ongoing pain management. No interactions were found between Eliquis (apixaban) and hydrocodone. However, this does not necessarily mean no interactions exist. If you’re self-prescribing this medication, always consult your healthcare provider before consumption.
Rely on PlanetDrugsDirect.com to Buy Online Eliquis
As a trusted prescription referral service, we offer important benefits whenever you order online. Each of our partner pharmacies and/or government-approved dispensaries is committed to providing the best experience possible of any online prescription referral service on the internet. We offer:
Low prices
Quick turn-around times
Generic and brand-name medications
Unparalleled customer service
Sources
Andersen, K. G., Rambaut, A., Lipkin, W. I., Holmes, E. C., & Garry, R. F. (2020). The proximal origin of SARS-CoV-2. Nature Medicine, 26(4), 450–452. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41591-020-0820-9
Cleveland Clinic. (2023). Prothrombin Gene Mutation. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21810-prothrombin-gene-mutation
Sigma-Aldrich. (n.d.). Thrombins. Sigma-Aldrich Technical Documents. Retrieved November 4, 2024, from https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/technical-documents/technical-article/research-and-disease-areas/metabolism-research/thrombins
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/
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
Related Articles
Accessible and Affordable: Generic Eliquis® (apixaban) Now Available!
Apixaban, commonly known as Eliquis, is a widely used medication for anticoagulant treatment. However, the pressing question remains: is Apixaban available now? Patients grappling...
Affordable Medications Delivered: Canadian Pharmacies Ship to the US
In today's globalized world, access to affordable prescription drugs has become increasingly important for individuals in the United States. Fortunately, reputable pharmacies in...
