Combining Apixaban and Diclofenac Sodium is a major interaction and should generally be avoided without close medical supervision.
Combining diclofenac, an NSAID, with apixaban, a blood thinner, significantly increases your risk of serious bleeding, especially in the stomach or intestines. Your doctor will likely recommend avoiding this combination.
Mechanism: Diclofenac inhibits cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, reducing prostaglandin synthesis, which impairs platelet aggregation and damages the gastrointestinal mucosa. Apixaban directly inhibits Factor Xa, preventing thrombin generation and clot formation. The combination results in additive antiplatelet and anticoagulant effects, alongside increased gastrointestinal vulnerability.
Apixaban vs. Diclofenac Sodium
Compare Apixaban and Diclofenac Sodium: mechanism of action, indications, side effects, cost, and which may be right for you.
Drug A
Apixaban
Eliquis
Anticoagulants
RxDrug B
Diclofenac Sodium
Diclofenac Sodium
NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs)
RxQuick Comparison
| Category | Apixaban | Diclofenac Sodium |
|---|---|---|
| Drug Class | Anticoagulants | NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs) |
| Rx Status | Rx | Rx |
| Generic Available | No | No |
| Typical Cost | $500–$700/month | $10-$30/month |
Apixaban Overview
Eliquis (apixaban) is a blood thinner medication used to help prevent harmful blood clots from forming in your body. It works by blocking a specific clotting factor, which reduces your risk of stroke if you have an irregular heartbeat (atrial fibrillation), or helps prevent and treat clots in your legs (DVT) and lungs (PE), especially after certain surgeries.
Full Apixaban guide →Diclofenac Sodium Overview
DICLOFENAC SODIUM (brand name: Diclofenac Sodium) is a NSAIDs. 1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Diclofenac sodium topical solution, USP is indicated for the treatment of signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis of the knee(s) (1). Diclofenac sodium topical solution is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug indicated for the treatment of signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis…
Full Diclofenac Sodium guide →How Each Drug Works
Apixaban
Apixaban is a selective inhibitor of FXa. It does not require antithrombin III for antithrombotic activity. Apixaban inhibits free and clot-bound FXa, and prothrombinase activity. Apixaban has no direct effect on platelet aggregation, but indirectly inhibits platelet aggregation induced by thrombin. By inhibiting FXa, apixaban decreases thrombin generation and thrombus development.
Diclofenac Sodium
Diclofenac has analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic properties. The mechanism of action of diclofenac sodium, like that of other NSAIDs, is not completely understood but involves inhibition of cyclooxygenase (COX-1 and COX-2). Diclofenac is a potent inhibitor of prostaglandin synthesis in vitro. Diclofenac concentrations reached during therapy have produced in vivo effects. Prostaglandins sensitize afferent nerves and potentiate the action of bradykinin in induc…
Approved Uses (Indications)
Apixaban
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE ELIQUIS is a factor Xa inhibitor indicated:
- to reduce the risk of stroke and systemic embolism in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation.
- for the prophylaxis of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which may lead to pulmonary embolism (PE), in patients who have undergone hip or knee replacement surgery.
- for the treatment of DVT and PE, and for the reduction in the risk of recurrent DVT and PE following initial therapy. 1.1 Reduction of Risk of Stroke and Systemic Embolism in Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation ELIQUIS is indicated to reduce…
Diclofenac Sodium
Diclofenac sodium topical solution, USP is indicated for the treatment of signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis of the knee(s) . Diclofenac sodium topical solution is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug indicated for the treatment of signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis of the knee(s).
Side Effects
Apixaban
Diclofenac Sodium
Cost Comparison
Apixaban
$500–$700/month
As a brand-name medication without a generic, Eliquis can be very expensive. Patients should look into manufacturer patient assistance programs or discount cards to help reduce costs.
Diclofenac Sodium
$10-$30/month
Diclofenac sodium is widely available as a low-cost generic. Patients can often find significant savings by using discount cards or pharmacy loyalty programs.
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Medical Disclaimer
The information on RxGuide is intended for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician, pharmacist, or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or medication. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.