Can you take Eliquis and Tylenol together?

Eliquis (apixaban) is a brand name medication that works as an anti-clotting drug to prevent and treat blood clots. Blood clots can travel to different parts of the body including the legs and lungs and increase the risk of stroke or embolism (blocking of an artery). These clots can form from an irregular heartbeat (also called atrial fibrillation) or surgery. Different types of clots include stroke (blood clot in the brain), deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and pulmonary embolism (PE).

Tylenol is the brand name of the medication acetaminophen that works as a pain reliever and fever reducer. Tylenol is available as an over-the-counter (OTC) medication and is available in a variety of dosage types (such as tablets, chewable tablets, softgels, gelcaps, and liquid) and formulations (such as regular strength, extra strength, and extended release). Tylenol can be used for a variety of conditions including headache, backache, arthritis, toothache, fever, muscle aches, and menstrual cramps.

People taking Eliquis may need to use pain relievers for general aches and pains or for pain associated with surgery recovery. As an anti-clotting medication, Eliquis can thin the blood and increase the risk of bleeding. It’s important for people to use pain relievers that do not cause dangerous drug interactions with Eliquis or further increase the risk of bleeding.

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Can you take Eliquis and Tylenol together?

Tylenol is a safe pain reliever to take with Eliquis. There are no known Eliquis and Tylenol interactions. Tylenol is not a blood thinner and does not further increase the risk of bleeding. Tylenol is also available as combination products. For example, although Tylenol PM contains the sleep aid diphenhydramine in addition to acetaminophen, Tylenol PM and Eliquis are safe to take together. 

Eliquis and pain relievers

Like Tylenol PM, there are many combination products that contain Tylenol’s active ingredient acetaminophen (also sometimes called paracetamol), but not all of them are safe. Advil Dual Action (acetaminophen and ibuprofen) and Excedrin (acetaminophen, aspirin, and caffeine)should be avoided with Eliquis due to the additional ingredients ibuprofen and aspirin, which can increase bleeding. 

In general, Eliquis and other blood thinners like Xarelto (rivaroxaban), Pradaxa (dabigatran), Coumadin (warfarin), and heparin should not be taken with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and certain antidepressants used for pain such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). These combinations should be avoided because NSAIDs and certain antidepressants can also increase the risk of bleeding by influencing how platelets work.

While taking Eliquis, people may bruise more easily. However, some indicators of possible dangerous bleeding should be addressed immediately. People should call their healthcare provider or seek immediate medical attention with the following signs and symptoms:

• Red, pink, or brown urine
• Red or black tar-like stools
• Coughing up blood
• Throwing up vomit that looks like coffee grounds
• Bleeding from the gums that lasts a long time
• Frequent nosebleeds
• Menstrual bleeding or vaginal bleeding that is heavier than normal
• Unexpected pain, swelling, or joint pain
• Headaches, feeling dizzy or weak

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For people experiencing pain in a specific area of the body, OTC topical anesthetics like lidocaine cream and Icy Hot patches (menthol) are safe to use with Eliquis. These are also ideal for people who have certain medical conditions that make it difficult to swallow medicine by mouth or people who need to avoid unwanted side effects of oral painkillers. 

Other pain relief options include prescription drugs such as muscle relaxers, opioids, and steroids.

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Natural pain relief for people taking Eliquis

There are several alternative treatment options for people taking Eliquis. Some alternative medicine includes acupuncture, chiropractic adjustments, physical therapy, and massage therapy. 

Acupuncture is a common alternative medicine where a professional inserts thin needles into the skin to stimulate nerves and muscles. Multiple studies have shown the effectiveness in the treatment of back pain, either acute or chronic, knee pain secondary to osteoarthritis, myofascial pain, and headaches. Acupuncture is considered safe in people using newer FDA-approved anticoagulants such as Eliquis, Xarelto, and Savaysa.

Physical therapy can be useful for chronic or acute pain management after injuries or surgeries. Physical therapy can help improve strength, flexibility, endurance, power, and agility, all of which help the body function better and process pain more efficiently. Many people notice an improved quality of life after regular physical therapy sessions. Additionally, physical therapy can help people get back on their feet after other medical issues such as a stroke. Physical therapists can play an important role in identifying signs and symptoms of a potential blood clot and in helping people recover from clots.

It is important to seek out medical advice from trusted healthcare professionals such as pharmacists before starting any supplements as some may increase the risk of bleeding.