{"id":631581,"date":"2025-03-10T16:10:07","date_gmt":"2025-03-10T20:10:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=631581"},"modified":"2025-03-10T16:10:07","modified_gmt":"2025-03-10T20:10:07","slug":"eliquis-and-ibuprofen","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/eliquis-and-ibuprofen\/","title":{"rendered":"Can you take ibuprofen with Eliquis?"},"content":{"rendered":"

People may commonly reach for ibuprofen when looking for pain relief, but managing pain while taking blood thinners requires careful medical guidance. <\/span>Eliquis<\/span><\/a> (apixaban) is a prescription anticoagulant medication. It thins the blood to prevent blood clots and reduce the risk of stroke. <\/span>Ibuprofen<\/span><\/a> is an over-the-counter (OTC) anti-inflammatory medication used to treat pain or fever. Ibuprofen belongs to a class of pain relievers called <\/span>nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)<\/span><\/a> that may affect blood clotting.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

We consulted leading cardiologists and medical experts about their recommended approaches to managing pain safely while taking <\/span>Eliquis<\/span><\/a> and whether it is safe to take ibuprofen during Eliquis treatment.<\/span><\/p>\n

Can you take Eliquis and ibuprofen together?<\/span><\/h2>\n

It\u2019s generally not recommended to take Eliquis and ibuprofen together because the combination increases the risk of bleeding. According to its drug label, Eliquis interacts with NSAIDs such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen. NSAIDs can affect blood clotting by interfering with a key enzyme called platelet cyclooxygenase, which results in slower blood clotting and a higher risk of bleeding.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSometimes, short courses (less than two weeks) of low-dose ibuprofen can be appropriate for management of acute inflammatory issues,\u201d says <\/span>Christopher Norman<\/span><\/a>, board-certified geriatric nurse practitioner and advanced practice holistic nurse in central New York. Although low-dose ibuprofen is available over the counter, Norman still advises calling a healthcare provider for guidance before starting the ibuprofen.<\/span><\/p>\n

The potential benefits of taking ibuprofen for pain relief or fever relief should be carefully weighed against the increased bleeding risk. \u201cWhen a patient taking Eliquis inquires about using ibuprofen, my primary concern is their safety. Both Eliquis and ibuprofen increase the risk of bleeding, so it\u2019s essential to assess their overall health and medical history,\u201d says <\/span>Pamela Tambini<\/span><\/a>, internal medicine physician and medical director at Engage Wellness in Acton, Massachusetts.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

This risk isn\u2019t limited to obvious bleeding like nosebleeds or bruising; it includes the possibility of gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding or other forms of internal bleeding that can have serious or life-threatening side effects. <\/span>A study published in 2019<\/span><\/a> suggested people who started taking NSAIDs with blood thinners such as Eliquis and <\/span>warfarin<\/span><\/a> had an increased risk of internal bleeding.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Taking ibuprofen with Eliquis specifically <\/span>may increase the risk of GI bleeding<\/span><\/a>. Norman adds, \u201cIf you have a history of GI bleeding, I would avoid even a short course of ibuprofen unless your healthcare provider authorizes it.\u201d Ask your healthcare provider whether taking Eliquis and ibuprofen is appropriate for you.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What pain reliever can you take with Eliquis?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Although many OTC pain relievers, such as naproxen and aspirin, are NSAIDs, <\/span>Tylenol <\/span><\/a>(acetaminophen) is considered <\/span>safe to take with Eliquis<\/span><\/a>. Unlike ibuprofen, acetaminophen doesn\u2019t affect blood clotting and can be used to manage pain and fever. \u201cFor patients taking Eliquis, I typically recommend acetaminophen as my first choice for managing most types of pain because it does not significantly increase the risk of bleeding,\u201d Dr. Tambini says.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Dr. Tambini also shares that she sometimes recommends topical NSAIDs like <\/span>diclofenac gel<\/span><\/a> for localized pain because they can be effective and carry fewer side effects and interactions than oral NSAIDs. Oral diclofenac is not considered safe to take with Eliquis.<\/span><\/p>\n

Muscle relaxants<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>anticonvulsant<\/span><\/a> medications are some prescription options for pain management that can be taken with Eliquis. Talk to your healthcare provider to see which options would be right for you.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Watch for signs that could indicate a dangerous drug interaction with Eliquis. Seek medical attention if you notice the following symptoms of excessive bleeding:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n