Can I Take Turmeric with Eliquis? Understanding the Risks and Interactions

October 7, 2025 •

2 min read

By 2020, direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) like Eliquis were prescribed to nearly 48% of at-risk atrial fibrillation patients, largely replacing warfarin. A common question among users is, 'Can I take turmeric with Eliquis?' The answer involves a critical risk of bleeding.

Quick Summary

Taking turmeric supplements with the anticoagulant Eliquis (apixaban) is not recommended. Both substances possess blood-thinning properties, and combining them significantly elevates the risk of serious and unpredictable bleeding.

Key Points

Serious Bleeding Risk: Combining turmeric supplements and Eliquis significantly increases the risk of major, unpredictable bleeding.
Dual Anticoagulant Effect: Both Eliquis (apixaban) and curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, have blood-thinning properties that can amplify each other.
Consult A Doctor First: Never start or stop any supplement, including turmeric, without first consulting the doctor who prescribes your Eliquis.
Supplement vs. Spice: High-concentration curcumin supplements pose a much greater danger than the small amounts of turmeric used in cooking.
Know the Warning Signs: Be aware of signs of excessive bleeding, such as easy bruising, black stools, or severe headaches, and seek immediate medical help if they occur.
Avoid Other Supplements: Many other supplements like St. John's Wort, ginkgo biloba, and high-dose fish oil can also interact negatively with Eliquis.
Safer Pain Relief Exists: For inflammation, discuss safer alternatives like acetaminophen or certain topical agents with your doctor instead of reaching for supplements.

Understanding Eliquis (Apixaban)

Eliquis (apixaban) is a direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) used to prevent and treat blood clots. It is prescribed for conditions like non-valvular atrial fibrillation to reduce stroke risk, and to treat or prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE).

How Eliquis Works

Eliquis works by inhibiting Factor Xa, an enzyme essential for blood clot formation. This action reduces thrombin generation and fibrin clot formation. Its effect on clotting is independent of antithrombin III and does not directly impact platelet aggregation.

The Science Behind Turmeric and Curcumin

Turmeric is a spice known for its anti-inflammatory properties, largely due to its active compound, curcumin.

How Curcumin Affects Blood Clotting

Curcumin has anticoagulant and antiplatelet effects, potentially slowing blood clotting by influencing platelet function and clotting factors like thrombin and Factor Xa. This gives it natural blood-thinning capabilities.

The Core Risk: Why Taking Turmeric with Eliquis Is Dangerous

Combining turmeric, particularly in supplement form, with Eliquis is risky due to a significantly increased chance of bleeding. Both have anticoagulant properties, leading to a potentially dangerous, unpredictable, and excessive blood-thinning effect when taken together. While turmeric used moderately in cooking is generally less concerning, high-dose supplements should be avoided unless a doctor approves.

Signs of Excessive Bleeding

Patients on anticoagulants should watch for unusual bleeding signs and seek immediate medical help if they occur:

Easy bruising
Difficult-to-stop nosebleeds or bleeding gums
Red, pink, or brown urine
Black, tarry stools
Coughing up or vomiting blood
Severe, sudden headache
Dizziness or weakness
Swelling or joint pain

Comparison Table: Eliquis vs. Turmeric's Effect on Blood


Feature	Eliquis (Apixaban)	Turmeric (Curcumin)
Primary Role	Prescription anticoagulant	Dietary supplement
Mechanism	Inhibits Factor Xa	May affect platelet function and clotting factors
Effect on Clotting	Predictable anticoagulation	Mild, variable antiplatelet/anticoagulant effects
Risk When Combined	High risk of excessive and unpredictable bleeding	High risk of excessive and unpredictable bleeding

Safer Alternatives for Inflammation on Eliquis

Since NSAIDs (like ibuprofen) increase bleeding risk with Eliquis, alternative pain and inflammation relief should be discussed with a doctor. Acetaminophen is often a safer option for pain, but lacks anti-inflammatory effects. Other possibilities include topical pain relievers, physical therapy, and corticosteroids for specific conditions. Always consult your physician before starting new treatments.

Other Supplements to Avoid with Eliquis

Several other supplements can interact negatively with Eliquis:

St. John's Wort: Can reduce Eliquis effectiveness.
High-dose Fish Oil (Omega-3s)
Garlic and Ginger supplements
Ginkgo Biloba
High-dose Vitamin E
Cranberry supplements

Conclusion: Prioritize Safety Above All

Avoid turmeric or curcumin supplements while taking Eliquis unless your healthcare provider specifically approves. The risk of serious bleeding outweighs the potential benefits. Always inform your doctor and pharmacist about all medications, vitamins, and supplements you use to ensure safe and effective treatment. You can find more information on apixaban from MedlinePlus, a reliable source Link to MedlinePlus.

Frequently Asked Questions

Taking turmeric supplements with a blood thinner like Eliquis (apixaban) significantly increases your risk of serious bleeding. Both substances have anticoagulant properties, and their combined effect can thin your blood to a dangerous and unpredictable level.

There is no established 'safe' dose for taking turmeric supplements with Eliquis. Due to the high risk of bleeding, it is strongly recommended to avoid them altogether. Small amounts of turmeric used as a spice in food are generally considered less risky, but you should still discuss this with your doctor.

Warning signs are related to excessive bleeding and include unusual bruising, prolonged bleeding from cuts, nosebleeds, bleeding gums, red or black stools, pink or brown urine, severe headaches, or feeling dizzy and weak. Seek immediate medical attention if you notice these symptoms.

No, curcumin is the active compound in turmeric that has the blood-thinning effect. Concentrated curcumin supplements are considered more dangerous than the spice itself when combined with Eliquis because the active ingredient is in a much higher dose.

You should be cautious with many supplements. Key ones to avoid or discuss with your doctor include St. John's Wort, high-dose fish oil, garlic, ginger, ginkgo biloba, and high-dose vitamin E, as they can also increase bleeding risk or affect how Eliquis works.

Since common NSAIDs like ibuprofen and naproxen also increase bleeding risk, they should generally be avoided. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is often considered a safer choice for pain, though it is not an anti-inflammatory. Discuss options with your doctor.

Yes, certain foods and drinks like grapefruit, grapefruit juice, and Seville oranges (often in marmalade) can increase the levels of Eliquis in your body, raising the bleeding risk and should be avoided.