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Author: Thomas Roth

Last Updated: 9/04/2022

Eliquis (Apixaban) and Alcohol Interaction: Can You Drink Alcohol with Eliquis?

Eliquis (Apixaban) is an anticoagulant that prevents strokes and blood clots in those with atrial fibrillation. It also prevents deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolisms (PE).

Eliquis is also a Factor Xa inhibitor that works by helping to block the elements that cause blood clots to form. It’s most commonly prescribed and used in combination with surgeries, such as hip or knee replacements, and will be continued for some time after the surgery.

Eliquis comes in 2.5 and 5 mg tablets and is taken twice a day. The FDA recommends against alcohol consumption while taking any type of Factor Xa inhibitors. 

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What are the Side Effects of Mixing Alcohol and Eliquis?

Several side effects occur when mixing alcohol and Eliquis.

We list the most common side effects of mixing alcohol and Eliquis below.

  1. Bleeding that is harder or takes longer to stop
  2. Nausea
  3. Dizziness or lightheadedness
  4. Easy bruising

Nausea and dizziness are symptoms of both eliquis and alcohol consumption and are worse when mixing the substances. Mixing alcohol and eliquis will also make it difficult to determine which substance is causing the effects.

How Does Eliquis and Alcohol Affect Blood?

While commonly referred to as a blood thinner, eliquis is an anticoagulant. Anticoagulants lower your blood’s ability to form clots.

Studies on the effect of alcohol on blood have a wide range of outcomes. The data proves that excessive alcohol intake increases your chance of forming serious blood clots. However, some studies state that moderate alcohol intake lowers the body’s chance of forming clots.

When using an anticoagulant (eliquis), your level of alcohol consumption plays a role in how effective it is. Eliquis increases your risk for serious bleeds while decreasing your body’s ability to effectively control them.

Do Eliquis and Alcohol Affect the Liver?

Yes, eliquis and alcohol affect the liver. Eliquis and alcohol are both metabolized by the liver. When metabolizing Eliquis and alcohol, the liver prioritizes the alcohol. By combining the two, you’re putting stress on the liver that delays body’s ability to metabolize the medication. Unfortunately, this leads to consequences like a build-up of the medication in your body.

We list the signs of toxicity in the liver and Eliquis overdose below.

  • Bleeding that is unable to be controlled
  • Bleeding gums
  • Chest pain or tightness
  • Coughing or vomiting blood
  • Blood in the urine or stool
  • Trouble breathing
  • Swelling of the face or tongue

If you are experiencing any of these side effects, seek help immediately.

Does Eliquis (Apixaban) Affect the Taste of Alcohol?

There is no evidence to suggest that eliquis affects the taste of alcohol. Still, drinking alcohol seconds or minutes after taking Eliquis will impact the taste. Eliquis effects the taste because it leaves an aftertaste in the mouth. In most cases, the taste of alcohol returns to normal shortly after taking Eliquis.

Does Eliquis (Apixaban) Affect the Effect of Alcohol?

Yes, eliquis amplifies the effects of alcohol. The most notibale issue is excessive bleeding because alcohol thins the blood.

Eliquis also acts as an appetite suppressant, which results in those taking it experiencing weight loss and lack of an appetite.

Alcohol is also absorbed at a slower rate the longer it stays in the stomach. Therefore, mixing alcohol with eliquis on an empty stomach results in adverse side effects because Eliquis is processed slower in the liver. The result is often more persistent side effects.

Can Mixture of Alcohol and Eliquis Lead to Death?

Yes, the mixture of Alcohol and eliquis leads to death. Consumption of large amounts of alcohol increases the chance for serious bleeds. Bleeds often occur in the stomach and intestines when mixing alcohol and Eliquis. Bleeding in the stomach or intestines leads to alcohol-related death without treatment.

Who Should Not Take Alcohol and Eliquis?

No one should take Alcohol and Eliquis. This is due to risk of stomach and intestinal bleeding. However, those who are at the highest risk for complications are found below.

  1. Atrial Fibrillation
  2. Epidural or Spinal Anesthesia or spinal puncture
  3. Artificial heart valve(s)
  4. Bleeding or clotting problems
  5. Antiphospholipid syndrome
  6. Liver or kidney disease
  7. Pregnant women

Always consult with your healthcare provider before mixing alcohol and Eliquis.

Can I Take Eliquis (Apixaban) with Alcohol While Pregnant?

No, you cannot take eliquis with alcohol during pregnancy. Drinking alcohol during pregnancy results in Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS), which causes life-changing and irreversible developmental issues for the fetus.

Eliquis is not recommended for use during pregnancy and causes harmful effects on the fetus. These include malformations that aren’t always reversible.

Additionally, Eliquis increases the risk of bleeding during pregnancy as well as during delivery. Those who receive an epidural during delivery should also avoid taking eliquis because it results blood clots on the spine and even paralyzation.

Evidence as to whether or not eliquis is harmful to a nursing baby is not clear. Therefore, it is not recommended to take eliquis while breastfeeding. Always consult with a healthcare provider if you’re unsure of the interaction between alcohol and Eliquis.

Are all Types of Alcohol Harmful with Eliquis?

Yes, all types of alcohol are harmful to take with Eliquis. Alcohol is harmful to take with Eliquis because it increases the risk of internal bleeding. Bleeding most likely occurs in the stomach but it’s possible for it to happen in other parts of the body.

Keep in mind that liquor is often more harmful than other types of alcohol to drink with Eliquis. Liquor has a higher alcohol content, so side effects occur faster and with less drinking.

How Much Eliquis Can be Dangerous to Take with Alcohol?

It’s a good idea to avoid alcohol entirely when taking eliquis. This is due to the potential risk factors for internal bleeding. In fact, even a 10 mg dosage of Eliquis is dangerous to take with alcohol.

There is a wide range of studies and outcomes surrounding the effect alcohol on the blood. Some suggest that consuming more than 2 drinks of alcohol a day increases the chance of forming blood clots, which is counterproductive to the function of Eliquis. Other studies, however, have shown a decrease in blood clotting with increased alcohol intake, which increases risk for more serious bleeds.

Overall, it depends on how much alcohol is consumed with Eliquis and for how long.

Does Alcohol Affect How Well Eliquis (Apixaban) will Work?

Moderate alcohol intake should not affect how well eliquis works. However, there’s a chance the absorption of Eliquis in the liver can be delayed because alcohol and Eliquis are both processed by the liver. More often than not, the liver prioritizes alcohol metabolization, which interrupts the medication.

Over longer periods, this results in a build-up of Eliquis and alcohol within the body. The result of this build-up is overdose and toxicity.

How Long After Taking Eliquis Can You Drink Alcohol?

You should wait 48 to 72 hours before drinking alcohol if you’re taking Eliquis. Make sure you wait for up to 72 hours after your last dose of Eliquis to be safe. Some doctors suggest waiting upwards of one week after your last dose of Eliquis.

While alcohol doesn’t specifically affect the effectiveness of eliquis, studies show that moderate alcohol intake decreases blood clotting and leads to more serious internal bleeds. In some cases, specifically in those with alcohol abuse problems, long-term alcohol abuse alongside the use of anticoagulants decreases the effectiveness of Eliquis.

What Are Other Drugs That Are Dangerous To Use With Alcohol?

Many drugs are dangerous to take with alcohol. Depending on the drugs, some are more dangerous than others. We list the most dangerous drugs to take with alcohol below.

Keep in mind that these are only some of the most dangerous drugs to use with alcohol. Always consult with your healthcare provider before mixing alcohol and medication.