Apixaban and wine

[Vony]

Is it safe to have a glass of wine or two whilst on Apixaban? Just over Easter I would like to enjoy a glass with dinner. Wine does not exacerbate my arrythmias unless I have too much. Any advice appreciated. Thanks

[Dodie117]

I can't advise you but I certainly will and feel it is fine if it is not a trigger for you. I am on apixaban and have a couple of glasses on a regular basis with no problems. I had an ablation over 2 years ago and on no other meds 

Not medically qualified!!

[Finvola]

I was not told to avoid my evening glass or two of wine when Apixaban was prescribed - the only things were NSAIDs St John's wort and there is no interaction listed in the blurb - so it looks OK.

Unfortunately, it sends my heart all over the place but If it isn't a trigger for your AF, enjoy it!!

[BobD Volunteer]

Only when it is wine o'clock!

[Vony]

Yay!!! I love answers like that lol. Is it not a risk for causing a spontaneous bleed?? That is only my fear asking that question.....

[BobD Volunteer in reply to Vony]

Spontaneous bleeds are really really rare Vony. Anticoagulants do not THIN blood so it isn't likely to  just start leaking out of your skin or anything like that. They merely make it take longer to form clots so any injury can take longer to stop bleeding. 

Of course there is a small  risk of tiny blood vessels busting  which may cause a bruise  or even a nose bleed but greatly overstated in most cases.

The occasional glass of wine is NOT going to increase risk. A bottle of Scotch a day is a whole different ball game and of course if one had a stomach ulcer things would be different.

If it doesn't set off your AF then enjoy . The relaxation will improve your well being.

[rjr681 in reply to BobD]

Oh dear I'II  have to cut down on the scotch then.

[Kingsley09 in reply to BobD]

Hi bob I’m wondering if you can help me with a question I’m on apixaban anticoagulant which as you say does not thin your blood and would like to take turmeric for pain relief but I frightened to take it as it is a known blood thinner as I have read on the Internet that you should not take turmeric if your on an anticoagulant so if apixaban isn’t a blood thinner then why are you advised on the Internet not to take turmeric, so was just wondering if you maybe have any advice or nowledge about this thanks

[BobD Volunteer in reply to Kingsley09]

I do wish people would stop using this stupid "Blood Thinner" label as it just confuses people. There are two typess of drug which can be said to "thin " blood. Antipatelets like aspirin and clopidrogrel and anti coagulants like warfarin , apixaban and the other DOACs. None of them actually thin blood but anti platelets can make it less sticky and anticoagulants slow the clotting process. Both have uses. If turmeric is contra indicated if you are taking an anticoagulant then don't take it. Simples! How you describe it doesn't matter.

I have been on warfarin for fifteen years and the only time I have ever had bleeding issues was when I was given aspirin in hospital and woke up in the middle of the night with my bed all red thanks to a monumental nose bleed. I had warned them!"

[Gertsen]

Asked my GP she said to keep within the limit of 14 units. I drink very little now, but the odd glass seems OK. 

[Chris147]

I chose not to drink at all since my first attack of af.  Probably not the right word attack however I decided not to drink only had an occasional glass anyway so not really giving up for me. I was told it interfers with warfarin which I take and bisoprolol so I guess I just thought I wouldn't chance it. Been alcohol free for three years on 29th March. It also keeps weight off so I decided that would help as flecainide and bisoprolol can impact on some people putting on weight......or it might be getting older ........Ior both.

[tony85]

I find about 1/2 bottle wine drunk slowly is max for me. I once drank 1 1/2 bottles and got a bout of AF the next morning

[beardy_chris]

You don't need to stop drinking because you are taking apixaban.  Drinking may, of course, be inadvisable if it exacerbates your condition or conflicts with any of the other medications you are on but that isn't what you asked!

I'm not medically qualified but I am on apixaban and I do consume alcohol, sometimes immoderately, with permission, if not approval, from my doctor.  Your mileage may, of course, vary!

[Vony]

It's times like this I love the comments on this forum!!! Lol. Cheers folks!!!! Xxxx