Medications
Supplements and Other blood thinners
apixaban, rivaroxaban, dabigatran, clopidogrel, daily aspirin
Critical
St. John's wort lowers apixaban and rivaroxaban levels. It induces CYP3A4 and P-glycoprotein, which clear these drugs; their prescribing information says to avoid it. Talk to your prescriber.
- 01Apixaban (Eliquis) and rivaroxaban (Xarelto) U.S. prescribing information — drug interactions (combined P-gp and strong CYP3A4 inducers)
- 02NIH NCCIH — St. John's Wort
Caution
High-dose omega-3 may add to bleeding risk. Doses above ~3 g/day EPA+DHA can prolong bleeding time. The clinical significance with blood thinners is debated; let your prescriber know.
Curcumin may increase bleeding risk. Curcumin has antiplatelet effects, and case reports describe a raised INR in people on warfarin.
Resveratrol may inhibit platelets. Resveratrol inhibits platelet aggregation in lab studies, which could add to the effect of blood thinners.
Ginkgo may increase bleeding risk. Ginkgo may add to the effect of blood thinners such as warfarin.
High-dose vitamin E may add to bleeding risk. Vitamin E can inhibit platelets and antagonize vitamin K, especially above ~400 IU/day.
Piperine can raise drug levels. Piperine inhibits CYP3A4 and P-glycoprotein, which clear many medications, including some blood thinners. Ask your pharmacist.
Berberine can change drug levels. Berberine inhibits several drug-metabolizing enzymes (CYP2D6, CYP3A4, CYP2C9). Ask your pharmacist.
Nattokinase adds to bleeding risk. It breaks down fibrin, and a brain bleed was reported in a patient taking it with aspirin. Don't combine with blood thinners without your prescriber.
Garlic supplements may increase bleeding risk. NIH notes that garlic supplements may increase the risk of bleeding, especially with anticoagulants or aspirin. Tell your prescriber.
Note
Fisetin has antiplatelet activity in animal studies. Theoretical additive bleeding risk; human data are lacking.
Ginger's effect on bleeding is uncertain. Studies disagree on whether ginger reduces platelet clumping. Normal food amounts are fine; mention supplements to your prescriber.
Common questions
Can I take St. John's Wort with Other blood thinners?
St. John's wort lowers apixaban and rivaroxaban levels. It induces CYP3A4 and P-glycoprotein, which clear these drugs; their prescribing information says to avoid it. Talk to your prescriber.
Can I take Omega-3 (Fish Oil) with Other blood thinners?
High-dose omega-3 may add to bleeding risk. Doses above ~3 g/day EPA+DHA can prolong bleeding time. The clinical significance with blood thinners is debated; let your prescriber know.
Can I take Curcumin with Other blood thinners?
Curcumin may increase bleeding risk. Curcumin has antiplatelet effects, and case reports describe a raised INR in people on warfarin.
Can I take Resveratrol with Other blood thinners?
Resveratrol may inhibit platelets. Resveratrol inhibits platelet aggregation in lab studies, which could add to the effect of blood thinners.
Can I take Ginkgo with Other blood thinners?
Ginkgo may increase bleeding risk. Ginkgo may add to the effect of blood thinners such as warfarin.
Can I take Vitamin E with Other blood thinners?
High-dose vitamin E may add to bleeding risk. Vitamin E can inhibit platelets and antagonize vitamin K, especially above ~400 IU/day.