Drug interactions
Apixaban + Icosapent
Severity: Moderate
Apixaban and Icosapent: moderate interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Icosapent, an omega-3 fatty acid, may modestly prolong bleeding time through effects on platelet function. Combined with apixaban, this may add to the bleeding tendency, although clinically significant bleeding is uncommon.
What this interaction means in plain words
Apixaban and Icosapent can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Why it happens
Additive pharmacodynamic effect on hemostasis, as omega-3 fatty acids have mild antiplatelet activity while apixaban inhibits factor Xa.
What to do
Monitor for signs of bleeding and periodically reassess bleeding risk, especially if antiplatelets or NSAIDs are also used. No routine apixaban dose change is needed.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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Other interactions of Apixaban
- Apixaban + Dabigatran Contraindicated
- Apixaban + Defibrotide Contraindicated
- Apixaban + Edoxaban Contraindicated
- Apixaban + Ketorolac Contraindicated
- Apixaban + Mifepristone Contraindicated
- Abciximab + Apixaban Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Apixaban with Icosapent?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Apixaban and Icosapent can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Icosapent, an omega-3 fatty acid, may modestly prolong bleeding time through effects on platelet function. Combined with apixaban, this may add to the bleeding tendency, although clinically significant bleeding is uncommon.
How serious is the interaction between Apixaban and Icosapent?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor for signs of bleeding and periodically reassess bleeding risk, especially if antiplatelets or NSAIDs are also used. No routine apixaban dose change is needed.
What other medicines interact with Apixaban?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Apixaban with, for example, Dabigatran, Defibrotide, Edoxaban. The full list is on the Apixaban page.
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