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Eliquis: Foods and Medications to Avoid

Wednesday 28 August 2019
Eliquis
5 minute(s) read
Dr.Heather Bartlett

Medically reviewed by

Dr Heather Bartlett, MD

on 22 November 2022


Table of Contents


I. Generic Eliquis is Now Available Through a Canadian Pharmacy

II. Old Anticoagulants and Vitamin K

III. Eliquis and Grapefruit

IV. Other Drug Interactions

V. Talk to licensed pharmacists at RxConnected.

VI. FAQ: Do you need to change your diet when taking Eliquis?


Eliquis, also known by its generic name apixaban, is a commonly prescribed blood thinner used to help prevent harmful blood clots. Many patients find it easier to manage than older anticoagulants because it does not require the same frequent blood testing and can be taken with or without food. [1]

Even though Eliquis is generally considered a convenient treatment option, it can still interact with certain medications, supplements, and foods. Understanding these possible interactions can help patients take Eliquis more safely and know when to speak with their doctor or pharmacist.

This article is for general information only and should not be used as medical advice. Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions when taking Eliquis or any other prescription medication.

Generic Eliquis is Now Available Through a Canadian Pharmacy

Eliquis is a commonly prescribed anticoagulant, but the brand-name cost can make it difficult for many patients to afford. The good news is that RxConnected helps Americans access generic Eliquis, also known as apixaban, through a Canadian pharmacy.

Save Up To 80% Off Brand & Generic Eliquis (Apixaban) at RxConnected

Experience unparalleled savings on both generic and brand-name Eliquis when you shop at RxConnected. As a certified Canadian online pharmacy, we are committed to delivering top-quality medication right to your doorstep. With hundreds of glowing reviews, our satisfied customers are a testament to our exceptional service and unbeatable prices.

Learn More

RxConnected works with licensed pharmacy partners and regulated fulfillment sources in countries where generic apixaban is available. This gives patients a more affordable way to access the medication their doctor prescribed, without being limited to the higher cost of the brand-name version.

Always tell your doctor what other drugs you use.

Before we begin, it’s important to reiterate the importance of telling the doctor your full medical and medication use. Tell your doctor if you take (or have a history of taking):

  • Other prescription drugs
  • Over-the-counter drugs
  • Vitamins and supplements
  • Herbal remedies
  • Recreational drugs [2]

Being honest with your doctor means a smaller chance of things going wrong. Thanks to strict doctor-patient confidentiality laws in the U.S., there are very few circumstances in which healthcare providers can notify law enforcement about illegal drugs. [3]

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Old Anticoagulants and Vitamin K

Now, let’s look deeper into adverse drug interactions. To understand Eliquis’ interactions, it helps to know the context of drug interactions among the other drugs in Eliquis’ pharmaceutical family.

a. Coumadin (Warfarin)

Before Eliquis, patients with a-fib took warfarin for decades. The medication has enjoyed a long history of use and is still used today. While dosing warfarin is more difficult, the drug stays in the body longer, which means less of a problem if you miss a dose. [1]

a woman helping a person with crutches

Warfarin is also more sensitive when it comes to interacting with foods and other drugs. Patients have to monitor their vitamin K intake, a nutrient found in high amounts in kale, spinach, and collard greens. [1] Because vitamin K helps with blood clotting, and warfarin is used to prevent blood clotting, the two work against each other. So patients have to be careful about the amount of vitamin K-rich foods they consume. [4]

If you are taking blood thinners like Eliquis and require pain medications or anti-inflammatory drugs, you can talk to your doctor about over-the-counter medications like Tylenol. 

b. Apixaban and Vitamin K

Because Eliquis does not work the same way as warfarin, it doesn’t have the same interactions with vitamin K. However, doctors may monitor kidney and liver function in patients with a history of kidney or liver problems. [2]

Eliquis and Grapefruit

Some foods may interact with Eliquis (apixaban). Grapefruit is a unique food that often interacts badly with medications. This is because it interferes with a key enzyme, causing drug levels in the body to be too high or too low. Sometimes, related fruits like pomelos, tangelos, and Seville oranges can cause problems too. [5] 

a hand bandaged with blue tape

Other Drug Interactions

Finally, if you take Eliquis, there are certain drugs that you should definitely alert your doctor to if you use them. These include:

  • Carbamazepine
  • Clarithromycin
  • Itraconazole and ketoconazole
  • Phenytoin and rifampin
  • Ritonavir
  • SSRIs and SNRIs
  • Aspirin, NSAIDs, and other blood thinners
  • St. John's Wort [2]

You may not need to completely stop these medications. In fact, doing so can be dangerous and cause withdrawal effects, so never stop using a medication without your doctor’s advice. Instead, talk to your doctor first. They may need to alter your dose or help you properly wean off the medication.

Talk to licensed pharmacists at RxConnected.

At the end of the day, Eliquis is a relatively safe medication and may be more convenient for folks than older drugs like warfarin. Just make sure you maintain good communication with your doctor and ask any questions about your medicine if you’re not sure about something. Visit RxConnected to start saving money today.

FAQ: Do you need to change your diet when taking Eliquis?

You usually do not need to make major diet changes when taking Eliquis. Unlike warfarin, Eliquis does not work against vitamin K, so foods high in vitamin K, such as spinach, kale, and collard greens, do not need to be avoided just because you are taking Eliquis. Eliquis can also be taken with or without food, which makes it easier to fit into your normal routine.

However, you should still be careful with grapefruit and related fruits, such as pomelos, tangelos, and Seville oranges, because they may affect how some medications work in the body. You should also tell your doctor about all medications, vitamins, supplements, herbal remedies, and over-the-counter products you use, since Eliquis can still interact with certain substances.

To manage your diet safely while taking Eliquis:

  1. Keep eating leafy greens unless your doctor tells you otherwise.
  2. Ask your doctor or pharmacist before regularly eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice.
  3. Take Eliquis with or without food, based on what feels easiest for your routine.
  4. Tell your doctor about any supplements, herbal products, or OTC medications you take.
  5. Do not make sudden diet or medication changes without medical guidance.

DISCLAIMER: The content in this article is intended for informational purposes only. This website does not provide medical advice. In all circumstances, you should always seek the advice of your physician and/or other qualified health professionals(s) for drug, medical condition, or treatment advice. The content provided on this website is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.