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Oral anticoagulant and OTC medicines — GPhC CRA MCQ

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EasyPatient Counselling and Pharmaceutical CareOral anticoagulant and OTC medicinesGPhC CRA

A woman taking apixaban asks what painkiller she can buy for a mild headache. She has no liver disease and no allergy to paracetamol. What is the most appropriate alternative?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: B — Use paracetamol if suitable and avoid OTC NSAIDs unless advised

Paracetamol is generally preferred for mild pain in patients taking anticoagulants if there is no contraindication. OTC NSAIDs and aspirin can increase bleeding risk with apixaban. Patients should seek advice before starting new medicines. They should not stop anticoagulation without prescriber direction.

Reference: BNF; NICE CKS