Apixaban + Dong Quai

MODERATE — Monitor Closely

CAUTION — additive bleeding risk

Evidence level: MODERATE

What this interaction means

Dong quai has mild blood-thinning properties that add to Eliquis effects, increasing bleeding risk.

How it works (mechanism)

Dong quai has antiplatelet activity from natural coumarins. May add to anticoagulant effect of apixaban.

Practical advice

Avoid combining or use with caution. Inform prescriber about dong quai use.

Timing

Use caution. Many botanicals affect blood clotting — ginkgo, garlic, ginger, turmeric, and dong quai all have antiplatelet activity that can amplify Apixaban. St. John's Wort can REDUCE anticoagulant effectiveness. Take at separate times and inform your prescriber about all herbal supplements. Request more frequent INR monitoring if on warfarin.

Risk factors

Concurrent anticoagulants, bleeding history, surgery planned

Symptoms to watch for

Unusual bruising, prolonged bleeding, blood in stool/urine

What to tell your doctor

Inform prescriber about all herbal supplements with blood-thinning properties.

Safer alternatives

Blood thinners have narrow safety margins. Instead of Dong Quai, consider safer options: CoQ10 (with INR monitoring), vitamin D3, or probiotics — these have minimal anticoagulant interactions. Always inform your anticoagulation clinic about any supplements.

Frequently asked questions

Can I take Apixaban and Dong Quai together?

Dong quai has mild blood-thinning properties that add to Eliquis effects, increasing bleeding risk.

When should I take Apixaban vs Dong Quai?

Use caution. Many botanicals affect blood clotting — ginkgo, garlic, ginger, turmeric, and dong quai all have antiplatelet activity that can amplify Apixaban. St. John's Wort can REDUCE anticoagulant effectiveness. Take at separate times and inform your prescriber about all herbal supplements. Request more frequent INR monitoring if on warfarin.

What symptoms should I watch for if I combine Apixaban and Dong Quai?

Unusual bruising, prolonged bleeding, blood in stool/urine

Are there safer alternatives to combining Apixaban with Dong Quai?

Blood thinners have narrow safety margins. Instead of Dong Quai, consider safer options: CoQ10 (with INR monitoring), vitamin D3, or probiotics — these have minimal anticoagulant interactions. Always inform your anticoagulation clinic about any supplements.

What should I tell my doctor about taking Apixaban and Dong Quai?

Inform prescriber about all herbal supplements with blood-thinning properties.

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