Risk of Combining Lexapro with Eliquis Without NSAIDs or Aspirin

Understanding the Bleeding Risk

The American Academy of Family Physicians notes that avoiding NSAIDs and aspirin is protective, as these agents would further amplify bleeding risk through additional antiplatelet effects 1, 2

The American Academy of Family Physicians states that NSAIDs combined with anticoagulants increase GI bleeding risk three to six times compared to anticoagulants alone 1
By avoiding NSAIDs and aspirin, patients eliminate this multiplicative risk factor, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians 2, 3

Patients on anticoagulants should watch for unusual bruising, prolonged bleeding from minor cuts, blood in urine or stool, or unexplained nosebleeds, and report any of these symptoms to their healthcare provider immediately, as advised by the American Academy of Family Physicians 1

The American Academy of Family Physicians and Alimentary Pharmacology and Therapeutics note that age ≥65 years increases baseline bleeding risk substantially 2, 4
A history of gastrointestinal bleeding or ulcers increases bleeding risk, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians 1, 2
Renal impairment affects both drug clearance, as stated by the American Academy of Family Physicians 3
Concurrent use of other medications affecting coagulation increases bleeding risk, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians 1