Does Alcohol Thin Your Blood? Short- and Long-Term Effects

drinking alcohol on blood thinners

Clotting factors are also released from platelets that help form a mesh to form the plug to close the wound. Plavix increases the risk of stomach bleeding when coupled with daily alcohol use. Alcohol use should be limited while on Plavix, and specific cases should be discussed with a doctor. When it comes to protecting you from a possible devastating blood clot, your provider will let you know if a blood thinner is right for you and will talk with you about which kind is your best option. They’ll also help you learn how to minimize the risks of taking a blood thinner so you can reap the rewards without worry. It’s not recommended that you start drinking alcohol if you don’t normally.

Drugs & Supplements

It’s thought that cannabis can increase your risk of serious bleeding. You can drink alcohol while taking apixaban as long as you do not drink more than 14 alcohol units a week. Before you have them, be sure to show your anticoagulant alert card to the nurse or doctor. It’s important to tell them that you’re taking apixaban, in case there’s any bleeding at the site of the injection. If you still want to go ahead, talk to your doctor about your specific risks in case you need antibiotics.

  • These help your blood cells bind together to make blood clots.
  • For individuals struggling with alcohol addiction, seeking professional help is crucial for both their overall well-being and circulatory system health.
  • Some people may initially follow these recommendations but become tempted to increase their alcohol intake over time.
  • “There are people who don’t want to drink, people who shouldn’t drink, there are people who can’t drink because of the effects that it has interacting with their meds,” Koob says.
  • Some research finds that alcohol increases levels of high-density lipoproteins (HDL, aka “good cholesterol”).

These are the biggest health challenges women will face in their lifetimes

Discover the impact and make informed decisions for recovery success. By prioritizing a healthy lifestyle and seeking professional help when necessary, individuals can take proactive steps towards maintaining a healthy circulatory system and overall well-being. Remember, it’s never too late to make positive changes and prioritize your health. Have you ever heard someone say that alcohol thins your blood? In this article, we’ll explore the relationship between alcohol and blood thinning.

Understanding Alcohol’s Detrimental Effects on Liver Function

Regular blood tests are not needed for some of the newer blood thinners. When taking a blood thinner it is important to be aware of its possible side effects. Since vitamin K can reverse this medication’s effects, it’s important to eat the same amount of foods that have vitamin K each week. That can be hard to keep track of, so many doctors will tell you to avoid them to make it simpler. If you fall or get hit hard, call your doctor or go to the hospital right away, even if there’s no blood.

However, it’s not only binge drinking that poses a risk; even moderate, daily consumption has been linked to an increased likelihood of developing atrial fibrillation over time. Alcohol, a substance often enjoyed socially, can have a profound impact on your body’s blood clotting process and blood vessels. In moderate amounts, alcohol can decrease your blood’s clotting ability, leading to a thinner consistency and blood thinners and alcohol side effects reduced clot formation. However, the tale of alcohol’s impact on blood clotting doesn’t end there. Since Eliquis is a blood thinner and alcohol may act as a blood thinner, it is best to avoid alcohol intake (unless your healthcare provider gives you the green light to drink a small to moderate amount). This goes for all of the drugs in the class of Factor Xa inhibitors (Eliquis, Xarelto, Savaysa, Arixtra).

A person should also speak with a doctor or access online support if they have concerns that they or someone they know may have AUD. Therefore, a person should not drink alcohol instead of taking blood thinning medications as a doctor has prescribed. When it comes to the health of your blood vessels, have a conversation with your doctor.

drinking alcohol on blood thinners

The body needs blood to clot to prevent too much blood loss, but clotting that’s extreme can lead to blockages in arteries and blood vessels that cut off blood flow, leading to dangerous health issues. Even minor injuries, such as scratches, can damage blood vessels and cause bleeding. To control excessive bleeding and ensure an injury does not become life-threatening, the blood clots. When alcohol is introduced into the equation, the blood’s ability to clot is compromised. However, people should not consume alcohol instead of taking medications as a healthcare professional has prescribed. Additionally, a person should discuss whether they are able to consume alcohol while taking blood thinners, as alcohol may interact with some medications and lead to side effects.

What are the side effects of Eliquis?

drinking alcohol on blood thinners

They offer a number of benefits over warfarin, but they do have some disadvantages. Speak with a healthcare professional about the benefits and risks. At Orlando Recovery Center Drug and Alcohol Rehab, https://ecosoberhouse.com/article/how-alcohol-can-affect-relationships/ we offer many alcohol addiction treatment options led by train medical professionals. Our levels of care include medical detox, inpatient rehabilitation and intensive outpatient programs (IOPs).

drinking alcohol on blood thinners

While alcohol may have blood thinning effects, it may also increase the risk of cardiovascular conditions and blood clots. Additionally, chronic alcohol consumption can lead to changes in the body’s ability to regulate blood clotting. Prolonged alcohol abuse may disrupt the delicate balance of the coagulation system, potentially increasing the risk of bleeding or blood clotting disorders. Understanding how your body responds to alcohol is crucial, especially if you have a history of alcohol addiction or if you are at risk for blood clotting issues.

  • According to the NIAAA, people who drink alcohol while in the sun are less likely to apply sunscreen in the first place.
  • Apixaban works by stopping a clotting factor called factor Xa working.
  • The degree of these effects will depend on your beta blocker use, dosage, indication, and how much alcohol you drink.
  • American Addiction Centers (AAC) is committed to delivering original, truthful, accurate, unbiased, and medically current information.