Can I take Apixaban and Naproxen together?
Drug interaction guide
Originally published 25 Jan 2026
Meets Patient’s editorial guidelines
- DownloadDownload
- Share
- Language
- Discussion
Taking apixaban and naproxen together significantly increases your risk of serious bleeding. This includes internal bleeding, such as in the stomach or brain, which can be life-threatening. Signs to watch for include coughing up blood, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, black or tarry stools, or bruising that happens very easily.
In this article:
Continue reading below
Why this happens
Apixaban is an anticoagulant (blood thinner) that prevents clots by blocking a specific clotting factor. Naproxen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that also thins the blood by preventing platelets from sticking together. Additionally, naproxen can irritate the lining of the stomach. When used together, their blood-thinning effects add up, making it much harder for your body to stop any bleeding that starts.
What you should do
Back to contentsYou should avoid taking naproxen while you are on apixaban unless your doctor has specifically told you to do so and is monitoring you closely. If you need pain relief, paracetamol is generally a safer alternative. If you have already taken both and notice any unusual bleeding, severe headache, or dark stools, seek medical attention immediately.
Continue reading below
Important precautions
Back to contentsCombined use (Drug-Drug Interaction)
Do not take naproxen while taking apixaban unless specifically directed by a specialist. Taking both significantly increases your risk of life-threatening internal bleeding. Use paracetamol for pain relief instead.
Asthma
Do not take naproxen if you have ever had wheezing, runny nose, or a skin rash after taking aspirin or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), as it can trigger a severe or fatal asthma attack.
Stomach Ulcers
Avoid naproxen if you have a history of stomach ulcers or intestinal bleeding, as it can cause new bleeding or perforation of the stomach lining, which may be fatal.
Food and drink warnings
Back to contentsAlcohol
You should limit or avoid alcohol while taking these medicines. Both apixaban and naproxen increase your risk of bleeding in the stomach and intestines; drinking alcohol further irritates the stomach lining and can significantly increase this risk.
Continue reading below
Using other medicines
Back to contentsTaking multiple medicines? Our Medicines Interaction Checker helps you check whether your prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines, and supplements are safe to take together. Simply search for your medicines to see potential interactions and what to do about them.
Disclaimer
This information is for general educational purposes only and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your GP, pharmacist, or another qualified healthcare professional before making decisions about your medications. Individual circumstances may vary, and only a healthcare professional who knows your medical history can provide personalised guidance.
Patient picks for Drug interactions
Treatment and medication
Can I take Omeprazole and Ibuprofen together?
Taking these two medicines together is generally safe and is often done intentionally. Omeprazole can actually help protect your stomach from the irritation or ulcers that ibuprofen can sometimes cause. However, there is a very small chance that omeprazole might slightly reduce how quickly or effectively the ibuprofen works for pain relief, though most people do not notice this.
Treatment and medication
Can I take Codeine and Paracetamol together?
Codeine and paracetamol are frequently used together to provide better pain relief than either medicine used alone. They do not have a negative interaction; instead, they work together in a helpful way. In fact, they are often sold combined in a single tablet (such as Co-codamol).
Article history
The information on this page is written and peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.
25 Jan 2026 | Originally published
Ask, share, connect.
Browse discussions, ask questions, and share experiences across hundreds of health topics.
Feeling unwell?
Assess your symptoms online for free
Sign up to the Patient newsletter
Your weekly dose of clear, trustworthy health advice - written to help you feel informed, confident and in control.
By subscribing you accept our Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe at any time. We never sell your data.