Is Silica Safe To Take With Eliquis?

Answer

Thanks so much for reaching out! When it comes to answering questions regarding potential interactions between dietary supplements and prescription drugs, I always like to start by saying that there is generally a lack of data available with most supplements. Therefore, it can be difficult to definitively know one way or another if a potential problem exists.

Having said that, I couldn't find literature or data that would suggest that silica, a form of silicon (silicon dioxide to be exact), interacts with Eliquis (apixaban). They appear to be safe to take together.

In fact, silica is an FDA-approved inactive ingredient (it can be found in the FDA inactive ingredients database) that is used in a number of prescription drugs for its properties that assist in drug manufacturing (e.g., it is sometimes used as an 'anti-caking' agent).

Silicon is found in many foods, and studies suggest the daily intake is around 20-50mg, depending on your particular diet. I could find no evidence that silicon (which I'm using interchangeably with silica here), in the amounts utilized in dietary supplements or what you'd take in via your diet, interferes with how Eliquis works or how the drug is absorbed.

What Is Silica?

Silicon is the second most abundant element on Earth, after oxygen. It is present in the human body in small amounts (such as in the skin, hair, and nails) and is considered a trace mineral in that regard. Dietary sources of silicon include oats, barley, rice, and some fruits/vegetables. 

Silicon is a popular dietary supplement, often consumed in the form of silica, which is a chemical compound made up of silicon and oxygen, or as silicic acid (also known as orthosilicic acid). Another common form of silicon utilized is Choline-stabilized orthosilicic acid (ch-OSA), which is the active ingredient in the popular product Biosil.

Silicon is used for its purported effects to improve the health and appearance of the skin, hair, and nails. It has also historically been used for other health conditions, such as osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, and cognitive decline.

What Is Eliquis?

Eliquis (apixaban) is used to help prevent strokes or blood clots in people who have atrial fibrillation (a condition in which the heart beats irregularly, increasing the chance of clots forming in the body and possibly causing strokes) that is not caused by heart valve disease. It is also used to prevent deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism.

Eliquis is in a class of medications called factor Xa inhibitors. It works by blocking the action of a certain natural substance that helps blood clots to form.

Final Words

I hope you found this helpful! As always be sure to let your doctor know about any changes you make to your medications, which includes adding on a dietary supplement, so you can be appropriately monitored.

Reach back out anytime.