What Happens When You Mix Alcohol and Eliquis?
Many individuals view drinking as a source of relaxation and enjoyment, often seeing it as a harmless pleasure or a way of turning an ordinary event into a festive occasion. For many, drinking alcohol is part of their normal life, and moderate drinking typically poses little risk for those in good health. However, those who regularly consume alcohol may not think twice about how alcohol interacts with prescription medications, putting them at risk for various health risks. One such medication is Eliquis, a blood thinner designed to prevent and treat blood clots, which does not explicitly caution against alcohol consumption. Nevertheless, mixing alcohol and Eliquis can be hazardous, resulting in unpredictable reactions in the body.
While moderate drinking is generally considered safe for individuals on blood thinners, it is advisable to refrain from alcohol altogether, particularly during the initial phase of treatment when one is still learning how their body responds to Eliquis and its side effects. For some, abstaining from alcohol may be straightforward, but for others, especially those grappling with an alcohol use disorder (AUD), it can be quite difficult. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism reported that in 2023, approximately 28.8 million people aged 12 and older were affected by AUD, and these individuals may struggle to quit drinking even when faced with serious negative consequences from their medications. Seeking professional assistance through counseling and rehabilitation programs can provide support for anyone looking to stop drinking, regardless of the severity of their alcohol use.
Addiction Treatment that
Just Works
Individualized treatment programs delivered in a comfortable, relaxed setting promote healing in your recovery journey.
How Much Alcohol Can You Drink While Eliquis?
Eliquis is a blood thinner that blocks substances in your blood from forming a blood clot but also increases the risk of bleeding. Mixing alcohol with Eliquis can lead to an increased likelihood of bleeding, especially when drinking large amounts of alcohol. According to the National Blood Clot Alliance, alcohol in moderation is fine when taking blood thinners like Eliquis. Limiting intake to a maximum of two drinks at once is suggested. For reference, one drink is defined as 12 ounces of beer with 5% alcohol content, 5 ounces of wine with 12% alcohol, or 1.5 ounces of 80-proof liquor (40% alcohol). Nonetheless, it’s always best to consult your healthcare provider regarding complications from alcohol abuse, and ideally, it’s best to abstain from alcohol while on Eliquis completely.
What Happens If You Drink Alcohol on Blood Thinners?
According to Drugs.com, alcohol use is one of the strongest risk factors for major bleeding while on blood thinners like warfarin and Eliquis. Combining alcohol and Eliquis can alter the effects of the medication and may lead to a greater risk of bleeding or decreased Eliquis effectiveness. Both alcohol and Eliquis thin the blood, so combining them can increase their anticoagulant effects, increasing the risk of bleeding. Blood thinners on their own can cause serious bleeding, such as into the brain or stomach, which can be life-threatening. Both alcohol and Eliquis can irritate the stomach lining, which can lead to gastrointestinal problems like ulcers and bleeding, so drinking while on this medication can increase the chances of developing these issues.
Eliquis can cause dizziness or lightheadedness, and alcohol might amplify these effects, increasing the likelihood of falls and accidents. This can be especially dangerous as blood thinners increase the risk of significant bleeding, even from minor injuries, and can lead to internal bleeding, particularly if you hit your head. Alcohol alters the effects of blood platelets, which are important for forming clots when bleeding, which increases the risk of continued internal bleeding if you hurt yourself during a fall.
The liver processes both Eliquis and alcohol, so drinking heavily while on the medication could place additional strain on your liver, potentially leading to liver damage. Additionally, large amounts of alcohol or binge drinking can decrease the metabolism of blood thinners, increasing the risk of bleeding. On the other hand, excessive daily alcohol use increases the metabolism of Eliquis and can lower its effectiveness, increasing the risk of a clot, heart attack, or stroke.
What Is the Downside of Taking Eliquis?
Eliquis plays a vital role in both preventing and treating blood clots that can result in severe health issues like heart attacks, strokes, and pulmonary embolism. It is also effective in preventing clot formation during surgical procedures. While Eliquis is associated with a lower risk of bleeding than other anticoagulants, it is important to note that this does not eliminate the risk entirely. According to GoodRx, some potential side effects of Eliquis include:
- Minor bleeding
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Anemia (reduced red blood cell count)
- Serious bleeding events
- Fainting
- Dizziness and confusion
- Headaches
- Elevated liver enzymes
Moreover, Eliquis carries two black box warnings, which are the FDA’s most serious alerts for medications. Although these side effects are uncommon, they can be life-threatening. One significant risk is spinal bleeding during specific procedures like spinal taps or epidurals, which can lead to severe outcomes, including long-term paralysis. Additionally, discontinuing Eliquis prematurely may heighten the risk of blood clots, potentially resulting in critical events such as heart attacks or strokes.
Is Eliquis Toxic to the Liver?
Eliquis is typically not seen as harmful to the liver for most healthy individuals. However, since the liver metabolizes it, there is a small chance of liver toxicity occurring in certain situations. In rare instances, Eliquis may lead to elevated liver enzymes, which could signal stress or damage to the liver. Those with existing liver issues, such as cirrhosis or liver disease, face a higher risk of liver damage. Furthermore, excessive alcohol consumption is associated with liver disease, particularly among individuals with alcohol use disorder, making them more susceptible to potential liver toxicity when using Eliquis. Additionally, the health effects of alcohol can adversely impact the cardiovascular system, raising the likelihood of high blood pressure, heart failure, and stroke—conditions that blood thinners aim to address.
Contact Resurgence Behavioral Health if You Are Struggling With Drinking and Eliquis
If you’re struggling to cut back on drinking and Eliquis, you’re not alone. The combination of alcohol and Eliquis can increase the risk of various health complications, making it crucial to monitor your drinking habits during this treatment. Moreover, prolonged alcohol use can elevate the chances of cardiovascular problems.
At Resurgence Behavioral Health, we specialize in offering support and tailored solutions for navigating this complex issue. Our comprehensive treatment programs include medical detox, inpatient care, and outpatient services designed to tackle the underlying causes of addiction and promote lasting recovery. You don’t need to have a severe alcohol use disorder to benefit from our programs. If alcohol has become a regular part of your life and you’re finding it tough to stop while on this medication, we can create a personalized treatment plan that equips you with effective coping strategies and skills to manage cravings and any related mental health concerns. Since alcohol addiction is a progressive condition, seeking addiction treatment help sooner rather than later can significantly enhance your recovery journey.
To speak with our caring professionals and explore your treatment options, contact Resurgence Behavioral Health today at 855-458-0050.
External Sources
- National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism – Alcohol’s Effects on Health
- National Blood Clot Alliance – Can I Have a Glass of Wine or Drink Other Alcohol on My Anticoagulant?
- Drugs.com – Blood Thinner Drugs and Alcohol: A Dangerous Mix?
- GoodRx – 7 Eliquis Side Effects You Should Know About
Addiction Treatment that
Just Works
Individualized treatment programs delivered in a comfortable, relaxed setting promote healing in your recovery journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much alcohol can you drink while on blood thinners?
Major medical guidelines recommend avoiding alcohol entirely while taking Eliquis (apixaban). Even moderate drinking significantly increases the bleeding risk that Eliquis already carries by inhibiting platelet function and impairing clotting factor synthesis. Heavy alcohol use can cause dangerous gastrointestinal or intracranial bleeding in someone on anticoagulation. If you are taking Eliquis and struggling to control your alcohol intake, that combination creates serious medical risk that warrants urgent attention from both your cardiologist and an addiction specialist like those at Resurgence Behavioral Health.
Is Eliquis hard on the liver?
Eliquis (apixaban) is primarily processed by the liver and kidneys, and while it does not carry the same liver toxicity risk as some older anticoagulants, alcohol can stress the liver and affect how the drug is metabolized. Heavy or chronic alcohol use can impair liver function, potentially altering Eliquis drug levels in the blood. Even moderate alcohol consumption can increase bleeding risk when combined with Eliquis. Anyone taking Eliquis who is also struggling with alcohol use should speak with their prescribing physician and consider reaching out to Resurgence Behavioral Health at (855) 458-0050.
Is it okay to drink alcohol if you have AFib?
Drinking alcohol is not safe if you have atrial fibrillation, particularly if you are on anticoagulant therapy like Eliquis. Alcohol is one of the most reliably documented triggers for AFib episodes, even at moderate intake, a phenomenon sometimes called holiday heart. For people already managing AFib with blood thinners, alcohol dramatically raises the risk of dangerous internal bleeding. Eliminating alcohol is one of the most impactful lifestyle changes available to people with AFib, and Resurgence Behavioral Health can support that change at (855) 458-0050.
Is 5 mg of Eliquis twice a day a lot?
5 mg of Eliquis taken twice daily is the standard dose prescribed for most adults with atrial fibrillation or venous thromboembolism, and it is considered an appropriate therapeutic dose, not an excessively high one. The dose may be reduced to 2.5 mg twice daily for individuals who meet two of three criteria: age 80 or older, body weight of 60 kg or less, or serum creatinine of 1.5 mg/dL or higher. Mixing alcohol with any Eliquis dose increases bleeding risk. Talk to your doctor before making any changes to your medication regimen.
What is the 30 second rule in atrial fibrillation?
The 30-second rule in atrial fibrillation refers to the diagnostic criterion that an episode of irregular, rapid atrial electrical activity must last at least 30 seconds to be classified as atrial fibrillation rather than isolated ectopic beats. This threshold helps clinicians distinguish clinically significant AFib from brief arrhythmias that may not require anticoagulation treatment. For people whose AFib is triggered or worsened by alcohol, reducing or eliminating drinking can meaningfully reduce episode frequency and duration.
Can quitting alcohol reverse atrial fibrillation?
Research suggests that quitting alcohol can reduce the burden of atrial fibrillation, particularly in people whose drinking is a known trigger. Studies have shown that even moderate alcohol consumption increases AFib risk, and abstaining can reduce episode frequency. For some individuals, early-stage AFib that is closely tied to alcohol use may improve significantly after sustained sobriety, though structural heart changes from long-term heavy drinking may not fully reverse. If you are drinking heavily and experiencing heart problems, professional treatment at Resurgence Behavioral Health can help you address both issues together.
How long does AFib last after drinking alcohol?
AFib episodes triggered by alcohol typically resolve within 24 hours after the alcohol is eliminated from the system in people without structural heart disease. The phenomenon of alcohol-induced AFib, sometimes called holiday heart, tends to self-terminate as blood alcohol clears and the associated sympathetic nervous system activation subsides. In people with underlying AFib who drink heavily, episodes may persist longer and require medical management. For anyone on anticoagulants like Eliquis for AFib, an acute episode is particularly concerning given the compounding bleeding risk of alcohol with these medications.
What is the #1 worst drink for your heart?
Heavy alcohol consumption is widely considered among the worst drinks for cardiovascular health, particularly in relation to heart rhythm disorders, high blood pressure, and cardiomyopathy. Alcohol raises blood pressure, promotes irregular heart rhythms, and can directly damage heart muscle with chronic heavy use. Sugary cocktails compound the problem by adding excess calories and contributing to metabolic issues. For someone taking Eliquis for a heart condition, regular alcohol use can dangerously increase bleeding risk and interfere with treatment effectiveness.
What is the 20 minute rule for alcohol?
The 20-minute rule for alcohol refers to the approximate time it takes for a standard drink to begin noticeably affecting your blood alcohol level after consumption. Because alcohol is absorbed through the stomach and small intestine, effects are felt within 20 to 30 minutes for most people on an empty stomach. This delay is one reason people sometimes drink more than intended before realizing how impaired they are. For people on blood thinners like Eliquis, even a single drink within this window begins increasing bleeding risk.
What is the biggest trigger for atrial fibrillation?
The biggest triggers for atrial fibrillation include alcohol consumption, sleep deprivation, high stress, caffeine in sensitive individuals, dehydration, and underlying conditions like high blood pressure or heart disease. Alcohol is particularly significant and is sometimes called a "holiday heart" trigger because of the spike in AFib cases seen after periods of heavy drinking. For many people, identifying and eliminating personal triggers, especially alcohol, is a key part of managing AFib effectively. Resurgence Behavioral Health can help you break free from alcohol use that may be driving your heart condition.
