Dabigatran vs. Apixaban for Stroke Risk Reduction and Deep Vein Thrombosis: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Dabigatran

(Pradaxa)

Eliquis

(apixaban)

Summary for Dabigatran

Prescription only

Dabigatran (Pradaxa) is an anticoagulant (blood thinner) used to help prevent and treat blood clots in adults and children. It's approved for certain conditions, including atrial fibrillation (AFib), where it lowers the risk of stroke. The medication comes as oral capsules and oral pellets that you take by mouth once or twice a day, depending on your condition. Common side effects include stomach upset and bleeding. If serious bleeding occurs, another medication called Praxbind (idarucizumab) can quickly reverse its blood-thinning effects.

Indications for Dabigatran

Adults:

Lower the risk of stroke and blood clots in certain people with atrial fibrillation (AFib)
Treat blood clots in the legs (deep vein thrombosis, DVT) or lungs (pulmonary embolism, PE) - after 5 to 10 days of treatment with an injectable blood thinner
Lower the risk of DVT and PE from happening again in those who finished treatment
Prevent DVT or PE after hip replacement surgery

Children (3 months and older):

Treat blood clots - after 5 days of treatment with an injectable blood thinner
Lower the risk of blood clots from happening again in those who finished treatment

Pros and Cons for Dabigatran

Pros

Doesn't require regular blood tests, frequent dose changes, or diet changes
Has a specific reversal agent (Praxbind) for emergency situations
Approved for both adults and children

Cons

Most commonly taken twice a day
Can raise the risk of serious bleeding
Commonly causes stomach-related side effects like stomach upset and nausea

Common Side Effects for Dabigatran

Upset stomach
Nausea
Stomach pain
Bleeding

Warnings for Dabigatran

Higher risk of blood clots from stopping too early
Bleeding around the spine (after certain spinal procedures)
Risk of bleeding
Not for people with mechanical heart valves
Interactions with other medications
Not for people with antiphospholipid syndrome

Summary for Apixaban

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 for Apixaban

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 for Apixaban

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 for Apixaban

Adults:

Any bleeding (up to 15%)

Children:

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

Warnings for Apixaban

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 Dabigatran vs. Apixaban

Dabigatran60 capsules / 150mg

$46.09$215.09

Get free coupons

More Information

Eliquis60 tablets / 5mg

$347.37$442.93

Get free coupons

More Information

Browse medications by letter

Show All

Browse prescription and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.

Compare
Dabigatran vs. Apixaban

Dabigatran

Eliquis

Summary for Dabigatran

Indications for Dabigatran

Pros and Cons for Dabigatran

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Dabigatran

Warnings for Dabigatran

Summary for Apixaban

Indications for Apixaban

Pros and Cons for Apixaban

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Apixaban

Warnings for Apixaban

Prices with our coupons for Dabigatran vs. Apixaban

Compare other Stroke Risk Reduction and Deep Vein Thrombosis drugs

Browse medications by letter

Good news for your inbox

Dabigatran

Eliquis

Summary for Dabigatran

Indications for Dabigatran

Pros and Cons for Dabigatran

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Dabigatran

Warnings for Dabigatran

Summary for Apixaban

Indications for Apixaban

Pros and Cons for Apixaban

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Apixaban

Warnings for Apixaban