Can you take vitamin D with Eliquis?

A widely prescribed anticoagulant medication, Eliquis, also known as apixaban, is typically used to prevent blood clots as well as aid in reducing the risk of stroke as well as systemic embolism in patients.

Such patients usually have sensitive conditions such as atrial fibrillation (AFib) and venous thromboembolism (VTE). While Eliquis primarily targets the cardiovascular system to prevent the formation of blood clots, its effects may also extend to various organs throughout the patient’s body. It is highly crucial for patients who are interested in taking Eliquis or have already been prescribed Eliquis to know and understand how this prescription medication can have an impact on their organ function. If you are going to take Eliquis or apixaban to help reduce your risk of blood clots, you might also consider using Vitamin D supplements for its potential health benefits.  Vitamin D actually plays a vital role in better bone health, improved immune function, as well as overall well-being. However, whenever you combine medications with supplements, it is crucial to investigate any potential interactions so you do not end up risking your overall health.

The Good News: No Known Significant Interaction

Fortunately, there are no known direct interaction between Vitamin D and Eliquis. These substances do not interfere with each other’s absorption or the way they work within the body. This means that taking Vitamin D alongside Eliquis is generally considered safe.

Why the Question Arises

Despite the lack of direct interaction, there are a few reasons why individuals taking Eliquis might have questions about Vitamin D:

• General Caution about Supplements: It is always wise to exercise caution when adding any supplement to your routine while on prescription medications. Even seemingly harmless substances can sometimes have unexpected interactions.
• Focus on Healthy Habits: Individuals who are taking blood thinners are often encouraged to prioritize a healthy diet and lifestyle, which can include discussions around vitamins and supplements.
• Vitamin K Misconceptions: The strict dietary restrictions regarding Vitamin K for patients on Warfarin (Coumadin) can sometimes create an assumption that similar limitations apply to Eliquis, leading to potential concerns about Vitamin D.

Can Vitamin D Indirectly Affect Eliquis Therapy?

While Vitamin D itself does not directly impact Eliquis, it is essential to consider a couple of potential indirect factors:

• Bleeding Risk: Both Vitamin D deficiency and excessive intake of Vitamin D have, in some studies, have been linked to a slightly altered bleeding risk. However, this is unlikely to have a significant effect if you are taking an anticoagulant like Eliquis, which is specifically designed to reduce your blood’s clotting ability. Always ensure to discuss any bleeding concerns with your healthcare provider.
• Underlying Conditions: The reason you have been prescribed Eliquis and any other underlying health conditions might sometimes influence whether your healthcare provider encourages or discourages you to take some specific supplements.

The Importance of Communication with Your Healthcare Provider

The safest approach is to personalize your choices about vitamins and supplements in collaboration with your healthcare provider or pharmacist. Here is why this matters:

• Your Individual Needs: Your healthcare provider is the one that best understands your health history and always takes into account any circumstances that might require special considerations.
• Dosage Matters: Excessively high doses of Vitamin D are more likely to cause side effects or have unintended consequences, especially for individuals with certain medical conditions. Your healthcare provider should be able to advise you on a safe and appropriate dosage.
• Staying Informed: Research is ever-evolving. Medical professionals always stay updated on the latest findings about medication and supplement interactions.

Recap on the Benefits of Taking Eliquis

Now that we have discussed how Eliquis works in helping you manage your health concerns and if it is okay to take Vitamin D while you are on Eliquis therapy, here is a quick rundown on the benefits of taking Eliquis to help you finalize your decision to undergo Eliquis therapy or not.

Beyond Blood Clot Prevention: Emerging Benefits of Eliquis

1. Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) Management:

• Stroke Reduction: Eliquis is highly effective in lowering the risk of stroke in people with AFib, a common heart rhythm disorder that increases clot risk.
• Potential Cognitive Benefit: Some studies suggest that Eliquis might offer protection against cognitive decline associated with AFib. However, more research is needed to confirm this.

1. Reducing Risk of Recurrent Blood Clots:

• After an Initial Clot: If you have already experienced a blood clot (like DVT or pulmonary embolism), Eliquis can significantly lower the chance of another clot forming in your blood.
• Proactive Prevention: In certain high-risk situations (such as after orthopedic surgery), Eliquis might also be used to prevent blood clots from occurring in the first place.

1. Exploratory Research Areas:

• Heart Disease: Early studies hint at a potential role for Eliquis in aiding in reducing cardiovascular events like heart attacks in specific high-risk groups. However, extensive research is still needed to solidify this claim.
• Venous Thromboembolism (VTE) in Cancer Patients: Some research suggests that Eliquis may be helpful in reducing VTE risk for certain cancer patients, offering a potential alternative to other blood thinners.

Important Considerations

• Bleeding Risk: Like all blood thinners, Eliquis increases the risk of bleeding. Your doctor will carefully weigh the benefits and risks based on your individual health profile.
• Ongoing Research: Many potential benefits are still under investigation and require larger studies to fully understand Eliquis’ impact beyond traditional blood thinning.
• Not a Substitute for Other Health Measures: Eliquis does not replace the need for managing heart disease risk factors like high blood pressure, cholesterol, or addressing lifestyle habits like smoking.

The Importance of Your Doctor’s Guidance

• Individualized Assessment: Your doctor is the best person to determine if the potential benefits of Eliquis outweigh the risks for your specific circumstances.
• Regular Monitoring: Close follow-up is needed while on Eliquis, even if you’re experiencing additional advantages.
• Eliquis is a Tool, Not a Cure-All: It is crucial to maintain a heart-healthy lifestyle alongside any medication, including Eliquis.

While Eliquis’ primary role is preventing blood clots, there is accumulating research that suggests wider-ranging potential benefits for certain individuals. These include reducing stroke risk in AFib, preventing recurrent blood clots among patients, and possibilities in heart disease management.

It is important to discuss these potential benefits with your healthcare professional to understand how they might apply to your individual health situation. As always, ensure that you prioritize open communication with your healthcare provider to make more informed decisions about your caring for your health.

Taking Eliquis

If you are now ready to buy Eliquis as your blood thinner, do feel free to contact us and we will gladly assist you in any concerns that you may have. 

References and Further Reading

This article offers general information and should not replace personalized medical advice. Always consult your doctor for a comprehensive assessment and to determine which medication is right for you.

https://www.drugs.com/drug-interactions/eliquis-with-vitamin-d3-3438-16026-646-5790.html

https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements-vitamin-d/art-20363792