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Compare Aspirin vs. Eliquis

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Eliquis (apixaban) and aspirin are both used to prevent blood clots but they work differently and have different uses. Eliquis is an anticoagulant that blocks a specific clotting factor (protein). It’s FDA approved to prevent strokes and treat blood clots in people with atrial fibrillation, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE). It is typically taken twice a day. It can cause bleeding and bruising as a side effect. Severe bleeding can also happen, but it’s rare. Aspirin is an over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that helps with pain and fever. It can also prevent stroke and heart attack by stopping platelets from clumping together, but it’s used in different groups of people than Eliquis, such as people who’ve had a heart attack or stroke. It’s taken daily in low doses (81 mg) for heart protection. Heartburn and stomach upset are common side effects. Bleeding and ulcers are more rare but serious risks, especially with long-term use. Unlike Eliquis, aspirin is available as a generic.

  • Aspirin
    Eliquis (apixaban)
  • Aspirin
    Eliquis (apixaban)

  • Summary of Aspirin vs. Eliquis

    Summary for NSAID

    Aspirin is an over-the-counter NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug) that helps lessens inflammation. It's used to help lower fevers and relieve pain from minor injuries in people 12 years of age and older. A lower dose of aspirin is also commonly used for heart protection in certain adults who are at risk of having a heart attack or stroke. This medication most often comes as pills that are taken by mouth. Aspirin side effects include heartburn and stomach upset.

    Summary for Direct-acting oral anticoagulant (DOAC)
    Prescription only

    Eliquis (apixaban) is an anticoagulant (blood thinner) used to prevent and treat blood clots. It can lower the risk of serious conditions like stroke, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and pulmonary embolism (PE). The medication comes as a tablet or liquid and is taken by mouth twice a day. Common side effects include bleeding and bruising. Although generic versions have been approved by the FDA, they might not be available until 2026.

  • Indications of Aspirin vs. Eliquis

    Indications for
    •Pain relief from minor aches and pains, such as from headaches, muscle pain, toothache, menstrual cramps, and arthritis
    •Fever
    •Heart protection (lower the risk for heart attack or stroke) in certain adults - low-dose aspirin (81 mg per day) only
    Indications for

    Adults:

    •Lower the risk of stroke or blood clots in people with atrial fibrillation (AFib) not caused by a heart valve problem
    •Treat blood clots in the legs (deep vein thrombosis (DVT)) or lungs (pulmonary embolism (PE))
    •Prevent DVT and PE after knee or hip replacement surgery
    •Lower the risk of DVT or PE coming back after treatment

    Children:

    •Treat blood clots and lower the risk of new clots in children from birth and older

  • Pros and Cons of Aspirin vs. Eliquis

    Pros and Const for NSAID
    Pros
    •Doesn't raise risk for heart attacks like other NSAIDs
    •Can help protect the heart in certain adults with or at risk for heart disease when taken at low doses (81 mg per day)
    •Available as a chewable tablet for people who have trouble swallowing pills
    •Available over the counter in a lower-cost, generic form
    Cons
    •Has risk for stomach ulcers and bleeding
    •Might worsen asthma symptoms
    •Not recommended for relieving pain or breaking fevers for children 18 years or younger with the flu because of risk of Reye's syndrome
    •Can't be used in children 12 years or younger
    Pros and Const for Direct-acting oral anticoagulant (DOAC)
    Pros
    •No regular blood monitoring required
    •Can be taken with or without food
    •Approved for both children and adults
    Cons
    •Need to take it twice a day
    •Most common side effect is bleeding
    •Not easily reversible in life-threatening bleeds

  • Common Side Effects of Aspirin vs. Eliquis

    Common Side Effects for
    •Stomach irritation (e.g., heartburn, stomach upset)
    Common Side Effects for

    Adults:

    •Any bleeding (up to 15%)

    Children:

    •Any bleeding (up to 36%)
    •Headache (16%)
    •Vomiting (14%)

  • Warnings of Aspirin vs. Eliquis

    Common Side Effects for
    •Stomach irritation, stomach bleeding, and stomach ulcers
    •Kidney problems
    •Reye's syndrome in children
    •Harm to an unborn baby
    •Severe allergic reactions and skin reactions
    •Different aspirin strengths available
    Common Side Effects for
    •Higher risk of blood clots if stopped too early
    •Paralysis in the spine
    •Bleeding
    •Not recommended in people with prosthetic heart valves
    •Not recommended in people with antiphospholipid syndrome

  • Prices with our coupons for Aspirin vs. Eliquis

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