What foods are bad for Eliquis?

January 3, 2026 •

2 min read

While the anticoagulant Eliquis (apixaban) has fewer dietary restrictions than older blood thinners, certain foods and supplements can still pose a risk. The most notable interaction involves grapefruit, which can increase the drug's concentration in the body. This article will explore what foods are bad for Eliquis and why, helping you navigate potential interactions.

Quick Summary

A guide to foods and supplements to limit or avoid while taking Eliquis, including grapefruit, alcohol, and certain herbal products that can increase bleeding risk or reduce drug effectiveness.

Key Points

Grapefruit Avoidance: Grapefruit, pomelos, and their juices are bad for Eliquis because they can increase drug levels in your blood, raising the risk of severe bleeding.
Beware of Supplements: Herbal supplements like St. John's Wort can decrease Eliquis effectiveness, while garlic, ginger, and others may increase bleeding risk.
Alcohol Caution: Excessive alcohol consumption increases bleeding risk when combined with any anticoagulant like Eliquis.
Vitamin K Is Safe: Unlike warfarin, Eliquis does not interact with vitamin K, so you can safely eat leafy green vegetables like spinach and kale.
Non-Food Medications: NSAID pain relievers (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen) should be avoided due to increased bleeding risk when combined with Eliquis.
Consult Your Doctor: Always discuss any new dietary changes or supplements with your healthcare provider to ensure they are safe with your Eliquis prescription.

The Key Culprit: Grapefruit and Its Relatives

For those on Eliquis, the most critical food interaction involves grapefruit and its relatives. Grapefruit, grapefruit juice, pomelos, and Seville oranges contain compounds that can increase Eliquis levels in the body by interfering with its breakdown, significantly raising the risk of bleeding. While occasional small amounts may not be problematic, consistent or large intake should be avoided.

Risky Herbal Supplements and Vitamins

Some herbal supplements and vitamins can be risky when taking Eliquis, either by increasing bleeding risk or reducing the medication's effectiveness. It is crucial to consult your doctor before taking any supplements.

Supplements that increase bleeding risk

Combining certain supplements with blood-thinning properties with Eliquis can increase the danger of excessive bleeding. These include concentrated forms of garlic, ginger, turmeric/curcumin, ginkgo biloba, fish oil/omega-3, and large doses of Vitamin E.

Supplements that decrease Eliquis effectiveness

St. John's Wort can significantly reduce Eliquis effectiveness, increasing the risk of blood clots. Concentrated green tea supplements may also contain vitamin K, potentially counteracting Eliquis, unlike a typical cup of green tea.

Alcohol Consumption and Eliquis

Excessive alcohol consumption with Eliquis is dangerous because alcohol also thins the blood, significantly increasing the risk of bleeding. Heavy or binge drinking is particularly hazardous. Discuss with your healthcare provider what level of alcohol consumption, if any, is safe for you.

A Quick Comparison: Eliquis vs. Warfarin Dietary Rules

{Link: Dr. Oracle https://www.droracle.ai/articles/70179/foods-to-avoid-on-eliquis} provides a comparison of dietary considerations for Eliquis versus Warfarin.

What to Eat: Embracing a Heart-Healthy Diet

Since Eliquis does not interact with vitamin K, you can enjoy a variety of nutritious foods without needing to maintain consistency, unlike with warfarin. A heart-healthy diet focusing on fruits, vegetables (including leafy greens), whole grains, and lean proteins is recommended.

Examples of heart-healthy food choices

Vegetables: Enjoy broccoli, spinach, kale, and other leafy greens.
Fruits: Most fruits are fine, but avoid grapefruit, pomelos, and their juices.
Proteins: Opt for lean sources like chicken, fish, and legumes.
Grains: Whole grains support heart health.
Fats: Include healthy fats from sources like avocados, nuts, and olive oil.

Final Thoughts on Diet and Eliquis

When taking Eliquis, remember that dietary restrictions are specific, primarily involving grapefruit, excessive alcohol, and certain concentrated herbal supplements. Always exercise caution with supplements and consult your healthcare provider before starting any new ones. Maintaining a balanced, heart-healthy diet is beneficial and compatible with your treatment. You can find more information at the provided source [4].

Important Non-Food Interactions to Know

Beyond food, certain medications, such as NSAIDs (like ibuprofen and naproxen), can increase bleeding risk when taken with Eliquis. Always inform your doctor and pharmacist about all medications and supplements you use.

[4] https://www.drugs.com/medical-answers/what-foods-avoid-eliquis-3577939/

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can eat leafy green vegetables while taking Eliquis. Unlike the older blood thinner warfarin, Eliquis does not interact with vitamin K, so there is no need to monitor or limit your intake of spinach, kale, or broccoli.

Grapefruit is bad for Eliquis because it contains compounds that block an enzyme responsible for breaking down the medication. This can lead to increased Eliquis levels in your blood, significantly elevating your risk of bleeding.

You should limit or avoid alcohol while on Eliquis. Alcohol has a blood-thinning effect, and combining it with Eliquis can increase your risk of bleeding. The American Blood Clot Association recommends caution, and you should consult your doctor about what level of consumption, if any, is safe for you.

Several herbal supplements are unsafe with Eliquis. Avoid St. John's Wort, as it can reduce the drug's effectiveness. Be cautious with supplements like garlic, ginger, turmeric, ginkgo biloba, and fish oil, as they may increase your risk of bleeding.

{Link: Dr. Oracle https://www.droracle.ai/articles/70179/foods-to-avoid-on-eliquis} explains the key difference: Eliquis does not interact with vitamin K, unlike warfarin.

{Link: Dr. Oracle https://www.droracle.ai/articles/70179/foods-to-avoid-on-eliquis} suggests that cranberry products, especially in large amounts, may increase bleeding risk.

Using small amounts of spices like ginger or turmeric in cooking is generally considered safe. The primary risk comes from taking concentrated supplements of these herbs, which can have a more pronounced blood-thinning effect. Always inform your doctor about any herbal supplements you are taking.