Is Tylenol Safe To Take With Eliquis?

In our latest question and answer, our pharmacist discusses whether or not Tylenol (acetaminophen) is safe to take with Eliquis.

Question

I was recently put on Eliquis for a pulmonary embolism. I have very mild arthritis that I usually just take Tylenol for. Is that safe to take with Eliquis?

Asked by Saul On Aug 29, 2022

Answered by
Medical Content Reviewed By HelloPharmacist Staff

Published Aug 29, 2022
Last updated Apr 16, 2024

Key points

  • There is no known drug interaction between Eliquis (apixaban) and Tylenol. They are considered safe to take together.
  • Tylenol is preferred over NSAIDs, like ibuprofen and naproxen, when taking an anticoagulant like Eliquis.

Answer

Thanks for reaching out to us!

Tylenol (acetaminophen) is a safe pain reliever to take with Eliquis (apixaban). In fact, Tylenol is the preferred pain reliever to take when compared to the other options available over the counter, like NSAIDs.

NSAIDs, which include drugs like Advil (ibuprofen) and Aleve (naproxen) are not recommended to take with Eliquis due to the increased risk of bleeding, which can be serious (especially gastrointestinal bleeding). This interaction occurs due to the additive anticoagulant effects of Eliquis and NSAIDs. Tylenol does not carry this risk.

Take Steps To Minimize The Risk Of Bleeding

As mentioned, if you need a pain reliever while taking Eliquis, Tylenol is the preferred option since it lacks anticoagulant (i.e. blood-thinning) effects.

Some individuals may benefit from additional measures to decrease the risk of bleeding while taking Eliquis. This includes:

  • Adding a proton pump inhibitor (e.g. Prilosec, Prevacid, etc..) in those with a history of gastrointestinal bleeds or ulcers, and in those over 75 years old.
  • Avoid aspirin (unless specifically recommended by your doctor)
  • Avoid excess alcohol intake
  • Ensure blood pressure is under control
  • Follow the directions provided if you are undergoing surgery

Final Words

Thanks again for your question! We are always more than happy to help out, so please contact us again if anything else comes up!

About 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 (DVT; a blood clot, usually in the leg) and pulmonary embolism (PE; a blood clot in the lung) in people who are having hip replacement or knee replacement surgery.

Apixaban 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.

About Tylenol

Tylenol (acetaminophen) is used to relieve mild to moderate pain from headaches, muscle aches, menstrual periods, colds and sore throats, toothaches, backaches, and reactions to vaccinations (shots), and to reduce fever. Acetaminophen may also be used to relieve the pain of osteoarthritis (arthritis caused by the breakdown of the lining of the joints).

Tylenol is in a class of medications called analgesics (pain relievers) and antipyretics (fever reducers). It works by changing the way the body senses pain and by cooling the body.

References

  • Association of Oral Anticoagulants and Proton Pump Inhibitor Cotherapy With Hospitalization for Upper Gastrointestinal Tract Bleeding., PubMed
  • Gastroprotection in patients on antiplatelet and/or anticoagulant therapy: a position paper of National Association of Hospital Cardiologists (ANMCO) and the Italian Association of Hospital Gastroenterologists and Endoscopists (AIGO), PubMed
  • Eliquis Prescribing Information, AccessFDA

About the Pharmacist

Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD

Dr. Brian has been practicing pharmacy for over 13 years and has wide-ranging experiences in many different areas of the profession. From retail, clinical, program development, and administrative responsibilities, he's your knowledgeable and go-to source for all your pharmacy and medication-related questions! Dr. Brian Staiger also has herbalist training and educational certificates in the field of medical ethnobotany. Feel free to send him an email at [email protected]! You can also connect with Dr. Brian Staiger on LinkedIn.

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