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.

Question

Is it safe to take horny goat weed while on Eliqus?

Asked by Jack On Aug 31, 2024

Answered by
Medical Content Reviewed By HelloPharmacist Staff

Published Sep 02, 2024
Last updated Feb 11, 2025

Key points

  • Horny goat weed may increase the risk of bleeding and side effects when taken with Eliquis due to its potential effects on blood clotting and drug metabolism; consult your doctor before use.

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 on 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

  • Antiplatelet and Antithrombotic Effects of Epimedium koreanum Nakai, 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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