Bleeding Risk: What Medications, Supplements, and Conditions Increase Your Chances

When we talk about bleeding risk, the chance that your body can’t stop bleeding normally due to medication, illness, or interaction. Also known as hemorrhagic risk, it’s not just about getting a cut—it’s about what’s happening inside your blood vessels, platelets, and clotting system. You might not realize it, but everyday pills you take can quietly raise this risk. A common painkiller like ibuprofen, a blood thinner prescribed for atrial fibrillation, or even that herbal supplement you think is harmless—each can tip the balance toward dangerous bleeding.

One of the biggest players in bleeding risk, the increased chance of uncontrolled bleeding due to drug or supplement interference. Also known as hemorrhagic risk, it is NSAIDs, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen and naproxen that interfere with platelet function. These aren’t just for headaches—they’re in dozens of cold and muscle pain formulas. Combine them with anticoagulants, medications like warfarin or apixaban that slow blood clotting to prevent strokes or clots, and you’re stacking risks. Studies show people on both are up to three times more likely to have serious gastrointestinal bleeding. Even ashwagandha, an herbal supplement often used for stress and thyroid support, can interfere with clotting in some people, especially when paired with blood thinners.

It’s not just about what you take—it’s about what you have. Conditions like liver disease, kidney failure, or even untreated high blood pressure can make your blood less able to clot. Corticosteroids, while helpful for inflammation, thin the stomach lining and make ulcers more likely to bleed. And if you’ve ever been told you have a "penicillin allergy," that label might be wrong—but if you’re avoiding antibiotics because of it, you could be getting stronger, riskier drugs that increase bleeding chances instead.

You don’t need to stop everything. But you do need to know what’s in your system. A simple question to ask your doctor: "Could anything I’m taking—prescription, over-the-counter, or supplement—be making me more likely to bleed?" That’s the conversation that saves lives. Below, you’ll find real-world examples of how medications, supplements, and health conditions interact to raise bleeding risk—and what you can actually do about it.