Does Astaxanthin Interact With Eliquis?
In our latest question and answer, the pharmacist discusses whether or not there is an interaction between Eliquis and astaxanthin.
I am currently taking Eliquis (apixaban) to manage my blood clotting. Is it safe for me to add astaxanthin to my daily regimen?
Jan 12, 2025- Astaxanthin may increase how quickly your body breaks down Eliquis, which could potentially lower the medication's effectiveness in preventing blood clots.
- This interaction is based on laboratory studies rather than proven effects in humans, so the real-world risk is unclear.
- You should talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking astaxanthin with Eliquis.
Answer
Hello, and thank you for reaching out with your question!
Astaxanthin is a naturally occurring carotenoid recognized for its strong antioxidant properties. It’s very commonly found in dietary supplements, especially those marketed for eye health.
Regarding potential interactions, we have a comprehensive page on astaxanthin that lists all known or theoretical interactions. We do list a potential interaction with Eliquis (apixaban).
Interaction Details
Laboratory studies indicate that astaxanthin may increase (induce) the activity of the cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) enzyme, one of the primary drug-metabolizing enzymes in the human body. If astaxanthin meaningfully induces CYP3A4, it could theoretically lower the blood levels of Eliquis (apixaban) by speeding up how quickly the body breaks it down. Since apixaban is a blood thinner used to prevent strokes and treat or prevent dangerous blood clots, any decrease in its level or effectiveness could raise the risk of harmful clots.
However, please note that this interaction is primarily supported by laboratory and limited animal or cell-based data. There is no strong, definitive human research demonstrating that astaxanthin causes a clinically significant interaction with apixaban.
Still, due to the potential seriousness of even minor changes in blood-thinner levels, if you’re thinking about starting astaxanthin while taking apixaban, it’s important to speak with your physician or pharmacist first.
Final Words
I hope this answer helps! Please feel free to reach out if you have any other questions or concerns and take care!
References & sources
- Metabolism and CYP-inducer properties of astaxanthin in man and primary human hepatocytes — PubMed
Glossary — Terms in This Answer
- Carotenoid
- A naturally occurring pigment found in plants that gives them their yellow, orange, or red color and has antioxidant properties in the body.
- Antioxidant
- A substance that helps protect cells from damage caused by harmful molecules called free radicals.
- Cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4)
- An enzyme in the liver and intestines that breaks down many medications and other substances in the body.
- Induce
- To increase or stimulate the activity or production of something, such as an enzyme.
- Drug-metabolizing enzymes
- Proteins in the body that break down medications so they can be eliminated from your system.
- Apixaban
- A prescription blood thinner medication (also known as Eliquis) used to prevent strokes and blood clots.
- Blood thinner
- A medication that reduces the blood's ability to clot, helping prevent dangerous blood clots from forming.
- Clinically significant
- A change or effect that is important enough to matter for a patient's health and treatment outcomes.
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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