Taking Eliquis With Horny Goat Weed
In our latest question and answer the pharmacist discusses the potential danger of taking Eliquis and horny goat weed together.
Is it safe to take horny goat weed while on Eliquis?
Aug 31, 2024- There is a moderate potential interaction between horny goat weed and Eliquis because lab studies show horny goat weed may increase bleeding risk and affect how your body breaks down Eliquis.
- While this interaction has not been documented in humans, the possible increased bleeding risk is a concern that should not be overlooked.
- You should talk with your doctor before taking horny goat weed with Eliquis so you can be properly monitored.
Answer
Hello, and thank you for your question about taking horny goat weed while on Eliquis! I'm happy to provide some information on this topic for you.
According to our drug-supplement interaction checker, there is a potential interaction between horny goat weed and Eliquis (Apixaban). This interaction is rated as moderate, with a possible likelihood of occurrence (although there are no reports of the interaction occurring in humans). You can find more information on our website: Horny Goat Weed - Apixaban Interaction Details | HelloPharmacist.
Interaction Details
Horny goat weed is commonly used in dietary supplements for its purported effects on sexual health and energy enhancement.
Although popular and relatively widely used, it should be taken with caution, as in vitro (i.e., lab) and animal studies have shown that it can inhibit platelet aggregation and thrombus formation. This could theoretically increase the risk of bleeding, especially when combined with anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications like Eliquis.
While this effect has not been thoroughly documented in humans, the potential for an increased risk of bleeding should not be overlooked and it should not be taken with Eliquis until you speak with your doctor first.
Our interaction checker actually identifies two different potential interactions between horny goat weed and Eliquis.
The second interaction is due to horny goat weed's ability to inhibit CYP3A4 enzymes, which play a large role in the metabolism of many drugs, including Eliquis. Inhibiting CYP3A4 could theoretically increase both the effects and side effects of Eliquis by altering its breakdown in the body.
Again, while this interaction has been observed in laboratory studies, there is limited research on its occurrence in humans, so the actual risk remains uncertain.
Final Words
So, overall, the interaction between Eliquis and horny goat weed is theoretical based on effects seen in lab and animal studies. It is unknown if the potential blood-thinning effects occur in humans.
Regardless, as with all dietary supplements, please speak with your doctor before adding any to your medication regimen so you can be appropriately monitored.
Thank you again for reaching out to us! If you have any more questions or concerns about medication interactions, please don't hesitate to ask!
References & sources
Glossary — Terms in This Answer
- Eliquis
- A prescription anticoagulant medication (blood thinner) used to prevent blood clots.
- Anticoagulant
- A medication that reduces the blood's ability to clot and helps prevent dangerous blood clots from forming.
- Platelet aggregation
- The process where blood cells called platelets clump together to form clots.
- Thrombus formation
- The process of blood clot development inside a blood vessel.
- Antiplatelet
- A medication that prevents platelets from clumping together to form blood clots.
- CYP3A4
- An enzyme in the liver that breaks down many medications in the body.
- Metabolism
- The process by which the body breaks down and eliminates medications and other substances.
- In vitro
- Scientific testing done in a laboratory setting outside of a living organism.
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...
More answers from Brian →