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Compare Dabigatran vs. Eliquis

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

Key takeaways

Dabigatran (Pradaxa) and apixaban (Eliquis) are both anticoagulant medications used to prevent and treat blood clots, and they help lower the risk of stroke in people with atrial fibrillation (AFib) that isn't caused by heart valve problems. However, they have a few differences. Dabigatran is a direct thrombin inhibitor, while apixaban is a direct-acting oral anticoagulant (DOAC) that blocks factor Xa. Dabigatran is available as a lower-cost generic, whereas apixaban is only available as a brand-name medication. Dabigatran is typically dosed at 150 mg twice daily for adults, while apixaban is usually taken at 5 mg twice daily. Dabigatran can cause stomach upset and bleeding, and it has an antidote called Praxbind (idarucizumab) for serious bleeding. Apixaban also increases bleeding risk but has a different antidote called Andexxa (andexanet alfa). Nether medication is recommended for people with mechanical heart valves. Both medications can interact with other medications, including blood-thinning medications, so it's important to discuss all medications you are taking with your healthcare professional.

  • Dabigatran (Pradaxa)
    Eliquis (apixaban)
  • Dabigatran (Pradaxa)
    Eliquis (apixaban)

  • Summary of Dabigatran vs. Eliquis

    Summary for Anticoagulant
    Prescription only

    Dabigatran etexilate mesylate, also known by its brand name, Pradaxa, is a type of anticoagulant blood thinner that treats and prevents certain types of blood clots in people ages 8 years and older. It's also used to lower the risk of stroke and blood clots in people with atrial fibrillation (AFib). The dosing can differ based on why you need the medication, but it's typically taken by mouth twice a day. Side effects include stomach upset and bleeding. For people who experience serious bleeding with this medication, there's an antidote medication called Praxbind (idarucizumab) that reverses its effects.

    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 Dabigatran vs. Eliquis

    Indications for

    Adults:

    •Lowering the risk of stroke or blood clots in people with atrial fibrillation (AFib) that isn't caused by a heart valve problem
    •Treating blood clots in the legs (deep vein thrombosis (DVT)) or lungs (pulmonary embolism (PE)) - only after receiving an injectable blood thinner for 5-10 days
    •Lowering the risk of blood clots from happening again in the legs (DVT) or lungs (PE) in people with a history of blood clots
    •Preventing blood clots in the legs (DVT) or lungs (PE) after hip replacement surgery

    Children 8 years and older:

    •Treating blood clots - only after receiving an injectable blood thinner
    •Lowering the risk of blood clots from happening again in children with a history of blood clots
    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 Dabigatran vs. Eliquis

    Pros and Const for Anticoagulant
    Pros
    •Good option for preventing and treating blood clots in many people
    •Doesn't require regular blood tests, frequent dose changes, or diet changes
    •Has an antidote called Praxbind for people who experience a serious bleed
    •Can be taken with or without food
    Cons
    •Typically taken twice a day
    •Not for people who have atrial fibrillation with heart valve problems
    •Can cause serious bleeding and bruising
    •Common causes stomach-related side effects like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
    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 Dabigatran vs. Eliquis

    Common Side Effects for
    •Upset stomach
    •Nausea
    •Stomach pain
    •Bleeding
    Common Side Effects for

    Adults:

    •Any bleeding (up to 15%)

    Children:

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

  • Warnings of Dabigatran vs. Eliquis

    Common Side Effects for
    •Higher risk of blood clots from stopping too early
    •Possible risk of paralysis (only in certain spinal procedures)
    •Risk of bleeding
    •Interactions with other medications
    •Not for use in people with mechanical heart valves
    •Not for use in people with antiphospholipid syndrome
    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 Dabigatran vs. Eliquis

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