From the Guidelines
It is generally safe to eat grapes while taking Eliquis (apixaban). There is no known direct interaction between grapes and apixaban that would reduce the medication's effectiveness or increase bleeding risk, as apixaban undergoes some metabolism via CYP3A4 but grapes do not significantly affect this enzyme 1. Unlike grapefruit, which can interact with many medications by affecting liver enzymes, regular grapes do not contain the same compounds that interfere with drug metabolism. However, if you're taking Eliquis, you should maintain consistent vitamin K intake from all foods, including green grapes which contain small amounts of vitamin K. Dramatic changes in vitamin K consumption could potentially affect blood clotting, though this is more relevant for warfarin than for Eliquis, as apixaban is a direct factor Xa inhibitor and its anticoagulant activity is less dependent on vitamin K levels 1. Some key points to consider when taking Eliquis and consuming grapes include:
- Apixaban is 25% hepatically metabolized and a substrate for P-gp, but grapes do not significantly interact with these pathways 1
- Maintaining consistent vitamin K intake is important, but the effect of vitamin K on apixaban is less significant compared to other anticoagulants like warfarin 1
- If you have any concerns about your diet while taking Eliquis, it's always best to consult with your healthcare provider, especially if you have other health conditions or take additional medications that might create unique considerations.
From the Research
Interaction between Grapes and Eliquis (Apixaban)
- There is no direct evidence in the provided studies that specifically addresses the interaction between grapes and Eliquis (apixaban) 2, 3, 4, 5.
- However, a study on the impact of fresh grape juice on the pharmacokinetics of omeprazole suggests that grapes may affect the activation of certain enzymes, including CYP3A4 and CYP2C19, which could potentially interact with other medications 6.
- It is essential to note that apixaban is metabolized by CYP3A4, among other pathways, so any substance that affects this enzyme could potentially interact with apixaban.
- The studies provided primarily focus on the bleeding risks associated with apixaban and other anticoagulants, as well as the management of bleeding events 2, 3, 4, 5.
- While there is no specific guidance on consuming grapes with Eliquis, patients taking apixaban should be aware of the potential for drug interactions with various foods and substances and consult their healthcare provider for personalized advice.