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Compare Aspirin vs. Xarelto

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

Key takeaways

Xarelto (rivaroxaban) and aspirin are both used to prevent blood clots, but they work differently and have different uses. Aspirin is an over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that can help prevent heart attacks and strokes at low doses (81 mg). It can also reduce pain, fever, and inflammation. Xarelto, on the other hand, is a prescription-only blood thinner that specifically blocks a protein involved in blood clotting. It's used to treat and prevent conditions like deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. While aspirin is available in tablets and suppositories, Xarelto is only available in tablet form. Aspirin can cause stomach irritation and ulcers, whereas Xarelto's main side effect is bleeding, which can be serious and life-threatening.

  • Aspirin
    Xarelto (rivaroxaban)
  • Aspirin
    Xarelto (rivaroxaban)

  • Summary of Aspirin vs. Xarelto

    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

    Xarelto (rivaroxaban) is a prescription blood thinner used to prevent and treat blood clots. It can lower the risk of serious problems like stroke, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), or pulmonary embolism (PE). It's comes as a tablet or liquid and is taken by mouth. Your dose depends on why you're taking it, so it could be once or twice a day. The most common side effect is bleeding, which can sometimes be serious or life-threatening. Xarelto (rivaroxaban) is available as both a brand-name and a generic medication.

  • Indications of Aspirin vs. Xarelto

    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 and 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))
    •Lower the risk of DVT or PE coming back after treatment
    •Prevent DVT and PE after knee or hip replacement surgery
    •Prevent blood clots in people in the hospital or recently released who are at high risk
    •Lower the risk of serious heart problems, like heart attack or stroke, in people with coronary artery disease (CAD), taken with aspirin
    •Lower the risk of blood clots and related problems in people with peripheral artery disease (PAD), taken with aspirin

    Children:

    •Treat blood clots and lower the risk of new clots in children from birth to under 18 years old
    •Prevent blood clots in children 2 years and older with congenital heart disease (CHD) after a Fontan procedure

  • Pros and Cons of Aspirin vs. Xarelto

    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
    •Available as a tablet or liquid that's taken by mouth
    •Approved for both children and adults
    Cons
    •Most common side effect is bleeding
    •Not easily reversible in life-threatening bleeds
    •Can interact with many medications

  • Common Side Effects of Aspirin vs. Xarelto

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

    Adults

    •Any bleeding (Up to 28%)

    Children

    •Any bleeding (36%)
    •Cough (16%)
    •Vomiting (14%)
    •Stomach virus (13%)
    •Rash (9%)

  • Warnings of Aspirin vs. Xarelto

    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
    •Interactions with other medications
    •Risk of pregnancy-related bleeding
    •Not recommended in people with prosthetic heart valves
    •Not recommended in people with antiphospholipid syndrome

  • Prices with our coupons for Aspirin vs. Xarelto

    Learn more about Aspirin
    Learn more about Xarelto

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