From the Guidelines
Aspirin and apixaban can be taken with or without food, but taking them with food may help minimize gastrointestinal side effects. When considering the administration of these medications, it's essential to prioritize their absorption and potential interactions.
- Aspirin can irritate the stomach lining due to its inhibition of protective prostaglandins, so taking it with food provides a buffer that may reduce this irritation 1.
- Apixaban's absorption is not substantially affected by food intake, as stated in the 2018 European Heart Rhythm Association practical guide on the use of non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants in patients with atrial fibrillation 1. However, the most recent and highest quality study, the 2020 ACC expert consensus decision pathway for anticoagulant and antiplatelet therapy, recommends taking rivaroxaban with food, but does not specify the need for food intake with apixaban or aspirin 1. It's crucial to maintain consistent blood levels of apixaban by taking it at the same times each day. Always follow your healthcare provider's specific instructions regarding these medications, as individual circumstances may warrant different recommendations. If you're taking both medications, discuss potential interactions with your healthcare provider, as they both affect blood clotting through different mechanisms. In terms of specific administration instructions, the 2020 ACC expert consensus decision pathway provides guidance on the use of anticoagulant and antiplatelet therapy in patients with atrial fibrillation or venous thromboembolism undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention or with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
Take apixaban tablets exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Take apixaban tablets twice every day with or without food.
Aspirin is not mentioned in the provided text in relation to being taken with food. However, apixaban can be taken with or without food. There is no information about aspirin in the provided text. The FDA drug label does not answer the question about aspirin.
From the Research
Aspirin and Food Interaction
- Aspirin can be taken with or without food, but taking it with food may help reduce gastrointestinal side effects 2, 3, 4.
- The studies do not specify a particular type of food that should be taken with aspirin, but it is recommended to take it with a meal to minimize gastrointestinal irritation.
Apixaban and Food Interaction
- There is limited information available on the specific interaction between apixaban and food.
- However, it is known that apixaban can be taken with or without food, and food does not significantly affect its absorption 5.
- It is recommended to take apixaban as directed by the healthcare provider, with or without food, to maintain consistent drug levels in the body.
Combination of Aspirin and Apixaban
- When taking aspirin and apixaban together, it is essential to consider the increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding 5.
- Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) may be recommended to reduce the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding in patients taking aspirin and apixaban together 5, 6.
- The decision to take aspirin and apixaban with or without food should be made in consultation with a healthcare provider, considering individual patient factors and medical history.