Are Glutathione Supplements Safe To Take With Eliquis? To Take With Eliquis?
In our latest question and answer, the pharmacist discusses whether or not it is safe to take glutathione supplements with Eliquis.
Can you take glutathione while taking Eliquis (apixaban)?
Sep 30, 2024- There are no known interactions between glutathione and Eliquis, and glutathione does not affect how Eliquis works in your body.
- Dietary supplements like glutathione have not been extensively studied for drug interactions, so it's wise to use caution and check with your doctor before starting it.
Answer
Thanks for reaching out!
There are no known interactions between glutathione and Eliquis (apixaban), as we detail on our website (Glutathione - Apixaban Interaction Details | HelloPharmacist).
Glutathione actually has no drug interactions listed on our website, and there is no evidence to suggest that glutathione affects the anticoagulant action of Eliquis or alters its effectiveness. Therefore, taking it alongside Eliquis is generally considered safe.
However, it's important to note that dietary supplements like glutathione aren't typically very well studied in regard to potential drug interactions, so caution is warranted.
Additional Information About Glutathione
Glutathione is a molecule composed of three amino acids: glycine, cysteine, and glutamic acid. It exists naturally in the body and is primarily synthesized in the liver.
It plays a crucial role in various physiological processes and is primarily taken as a supplement because it is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect cells from oxidative stress and damage caused by free radicals.
Several factors like aging, stress, poor nutrition, and exposure to toxins can deplete glutathione levels. Supplementation is thought to help replenish these levels, potentially enhancing the body's antioxidant defenses, aiding in detoxification processes, and promoting overall well-being.
About Eliquis (Apixaban)
Eliquis is an anticoagulant medication that works by inhibiting Factor Xa, an essential protein in the blood clotting process. It is commonly prescribed to prevent stroke and systemic embolism in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation, and to treat or prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE).
Final Words
Overall glutathione is a popular supplement and one that is generally considered safe to take, but please check with your doctor first before adding anything on to your current medication regimen. I hope you found this helpful, and feel free to reach back out with any other questions.
As always, it's a good idea to consult your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, especially when you are taking medications like Eliquis that have significant effects on blood clotting.
References & sources
Glossary — Terms in This Answer
- Anticoagulant
- A medication that helps prevent blood clots by making blood less likely to thicken and clump together.
- Apixaban
- The generic name for the brand-name drug Eliquis, which is a blood thinner medication.
- Antioxidant
- A substance that protects cells from damage caused by harmful molecules called free radicals.
- Oxidative stress
- Damage to cells that occurs when there is an imbalance between harmful free radicals and the body's ability to neutralize them.
- Factor Xa
- A protein in the blood that plays a key role in forming blood clots.
- Nonvalvular atrial fibrillation
- An irregular heartbeat condition in patients whose heart valves are functioning normally.
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
- A blood clot that forms in a large vein, usually in the legs.
- Pulmonary embolism (PE)
- A serious condition where a blood clot travels to the lungs and blocks blood flow.
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Doctor of Pharmacy, board certified clinical pharmacist (BCPS), American Herbalist Guild, Medication Therapy Management certified
Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS, is a licensed pharmacist with more than 13 years of experience across retail pharmacy, clinical pharmacy, medication safety, pharmacy program development, and healthcare administration. He is the founder of HelloPharmacist.com, where he helps patients...
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