Coffee is an expression of luxury, energy and culture for many. Scientists suggest that those who drink coffee, whether for pleasure or for health reasons, can enjoy up to two cups a day. When it comes to taking powerful blood thinners such as Eliquis, one should take special precautions in order to avoid unpleasant side effects and even life-threatening ones. So, can you drink coffee if you’re on Eliquis?
Eliquis, also known by its chemical name apixaban, is an anticoagulant (blood thinning) medication prescribed to patients at risk of stroke and other blood clotting-related health problems. The drug affects chemicals in the body which are involved in the formation of blood clots, by keeping them from forming. Under normal circumstances, a healthy diet is required to maintain the therapeutic levels of Eliquis in your body, as it can make it less effective.
Caffeine is also known to interfere with anticoagulants such as Eliquis. While the medication is designed to prevent blood clots from forming, caffeine can cause an increase in blood pressure and an increase in the risk of clot formation. It is also known to reduce the body’s ability to absorb the medication, resulting in lower levels of Eliquis in the bloodstream.
Given the potential risks of drinking coffee while on Eliquis, it is best to consult with a doctor or other medical professionals before consuming coffee. Coffee is typically a safe part of a healthy diet, as long as it isn’t overdone, as it can have positive effects on heart health. Additionally, there are alternatives to coffee such as green tea which is not known to interfere with the medication.
Along with avoiding coffee, Eliquis patients should avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice, as they are known to interact with Eliquis, decreasing its effectiveness. Patients should also avoid increased intake of salicylates, foods high in vitamin K such as green vegetables, and alcohol, as these could all potentially impact the effectiveness of Eliquis.
Expert Advice
Dr. Stephen Freedman, a cardiologist from Harvard Medical School, says that most anticoagulants, like Eliquis, require dedication from patients to set and maintain their therapeutic levels of the drug. He recommends that patients adhere to their drug regimen as prescribed by their doctor. There should be no alcohol or caffeine intake and a healthy and balanced diet is a must.
Dr. Andrew Gane, an anticoagulation specialist from Harvard University, explains that Eliquis is highly sensitive to any change in a patient’s diet and routine. As such, it is important to inform a doctor if any changes are to take place such as changes in diet, travel, activity, or a new medication.
Dr. Emma Harding, a cardiologist at Oxford University, adds that Eliquis patients should observe if any changes have a significant effect on their therapeutic levels. According to the cardiologist, changes in diet can affect the amount of Eliquis in your body and regular monitoring of your levels is key to ensure the medicine is working optimally and effectively.
Patient Perspectives
Patients taking Eliquis have different experiences and opinions on the subject. Nancy May, who has been taking Eliquis for over a year, says that she does not take coffee in fear that it may interfere with her medication. She takes herbal tea instead and has noticed significant improvements in her condition.
Lois Davis, who also takes Eliquis, has a different perspective. As a coffee lover, she admits that she indulges in small amounts of coffee from time to time. She says that she has monitored her Eliquis levels and has noticed no interference between coffee and her medication.
Risks & Benefits
When deciding whether to consume coffee while taking Eliquis, one should weigh the risks and benefits of both, taking into account the type of coffee and the amount of caffeine, among other things. Coffee is known to have many health benefits, such as improving cognitive function, lowering the risk of liver disease and reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes. However, when one is taking a powerful anticoagulant such as Eliquis, the risks may outweigh the benefits, as any interference could have dangerous consequences.
Those who decide to drink coffee while taking Eliquis, should keep track of their therapeutic levels and observe any changes or potential side effects that may occur. It is also recommended to speak to a doctor or health professional before consuming any caffeinated drinks to ensure it is safe to do so.
In general, it is best to avoid having coffee if you are taking Eliquis. Or if you must, then you should consider the amount of coffee, its caffeine content and any potential side effects that may occur. Monitor the effects it may have on your levels and consult with medical professionals if necessary.
Important Factors to Consider
When deciding whether or not to drink coffee while taking Eliquis, several factors should be taken into account, such as type of coffee, the amount consumed, and whether any other medications are taken at the same time. Coffee varies in strength and caffeine content, so it is important to know the effects it will have on the body and the therapeutic levels of Eliquis. Additionally, certain medications such as antibiotics, antipsychotics and heartburn medication have been known to increase the effects of Eliquis, making it harder to gauge its potency.
Furthermore, those on Eliquis should keep in mind that coffee can have an effect on sleep. While enough sleep is important for overall health and wellbeing, a lack of sleep can increase the risk of stroke and other heart-related issues. It is not recommended to drink coffee in the evening, as it can negatively affect quality of sleep and reduce the effectiveness of Eliquis.
Finally, coffee should not be taken along with other medications as it can interact adversely. It is therefore important to inform a doctor or healthcare professional about any changes to diet or medications prior to consuming coffee.
Factors That May Increase the Risk of Problems
There are various factors which can increase the risk of adverse effects when taking Eliquis and consuming coffee. These include, but are not limited to, smoking, being over 65 years old, having an irregular heartbeat, poor diet, being overweight, high blood pressure, and family history of stroke. Those who suffer from any of the above should be especially careful when considering whether or not to drink coffee.
If any of the above conditions apply to you, or if your doctor has warned you to avoid a certain type of food or drink, it is best to be conservative in your choice and avoid such beverages. Otherwise, discuss drinking coffee with your doctor and carefully monitor your Eliquis levels to ensure that it is still effective.
Conclusion
When it comes to taking Eliquis, the verdict is clear: use caution. While coffee has many health benefits, those taking Eliquis should exercise caution and consult with a doctor or healthcare specialist prior to consuming coffee. Regular monitoring of therapeutic levels should also be done in order to ensure that Eliquis remains effective in the body. Consider the risks and benefits carefully, as even a small amount of caffeine can interfere with the drug’s effectiveness.
